Friday 31 August 2007

Ancelotti: Super Cup win dedicated to Puerta

Carlo Ancelotti has dedicated the European Super Cup win to Antonio Puerta, the Sevilla player who died this week.

"Of course, we dedicate this trophy to Puerta. The game was played despite the atmosphere of great sadness. It was very difficult for all of us, but it was decided it had to go ahead and so we played."

Milan won the trophy 3-1 at the Stade Louis II in Monaco and all the players had Puerta’s name under the number on their jerseys.

The 22-year-old Spaniard died this week after suffering multiple cardiac arrests, starting from his collapse on the pitch against Getafe in the opening La Liga match last Saturday.

"As for the football, Sevilla are a tough team and we were under pressure for the first half-hour, but then found our way and managed to turn the game around," continued Ancelotti.

The Rossoneri were trailing 1-0 at half-time to Renato’s goal, but turned it all around through Pippo Inzaghi, Marek Jankulovski and Kaka. "We were a little held back in the first half and relaxed a lot more after the break, playing better football."

Milan win their fifth European Super Cup – more than any other club – after victories in 1989, 1990, 1994 and 2003.

"We have had a good start to the season, now the ‘real’ campaign kicks off and we are convinced we are competitive on all fronts."

Inzaghi’s brace secured the Champions League trophy in Athens back in May against Liverpool and 2007-08 started the same way, with Super Pippo on target in a Final, his 59th European goal.

"Inzaghi is an Immortal, especially when it comes to goals. He’s always there on the scoresheet."

The celebrations after the match were very muted and all the Milan players went under the Sevilla end to applaud the fans, who reciprocated, in a moment of rare unity in football.

Sevilla star Enzo Maresca also praised the Italian side for the way they reacted to the tragic events of the past few days.

"The club Milan proved themselves up to the situation and behaved impeccably throughout this week," said the former Juventus midfielder.

"I think that there are no words for what we feel. We tried to do our duty and managed that. It was a shame not to win, but the important thing was to play. How it went was almost irrelevant."
[Match Report]

Source: C4 Football Italia

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