Italian papers show true colours

AC Milan's European success has been hailed by the Italian press with many newspapers featuring the story on their front pages - none more prominently than the usually pink Gazzetta dello Sport which today is decorated red and black in tribute to the Rossoneri.

The image of Paolo Maldini lifting the UEFA Champions League trophy adorns many of the editions with the Milan captain's joy permeating the picture. This feeling is emphasised by Gazzetta's headline – "E vai!!!!!!!" (Let's go) - the number of exclamation marks signifying Milan's seven European Cup victories. The paper goes on to say "Athens, 22.31: Milan win back European crown", before adding: "Inzaghi is key with two goals as Milan gain revenge by beating Liverpool."

If the pictorial review focuses on Maldini, most of the written emphasis is centred around Filippo Inzaghi. The man who scored twice in Milan's third qualifying round triumph against Crvena Zvezda back in August wrote his name into the annals of this competition with two strikes of much greater significance. Corriere dello Sport lauds the forward with the headline "Campionissimi", continuing: "Inzaghi gives Milan seventh European title. Two goals by Superpippo decide Athens final."

Turin's Tuttosport, meanwhile, opens with "Gran Milan", not forgetting Inzaghi either by proclaiming: "Super Pippo gives the Rossoneri their seventh Champions League. With his two goals Ancelotti's side gain revenge, overcoming Liverpool after their failure in Istanbul. Milan are now the most successful club in the world with 16 international trophies alongside Boca Juniors."

Nor is their glory restricted to the sports pages. Corriere della Sera finds a prominent place between economics and politics to say "Milan party: European champions".

[Match Report]