#ONTHISDAY: 2003, THE ALL-ITALIAN FINAL

In the previous 47 editions of the UEFA Champions League, two Italian teams had never met in the final. The match that took place 20 years ago - on 28 May 2003, to be precise - was thus a truly historic event. Juventus and AC Milan, who, back then, had been the last two Italian teams to win Europe’s elite competition, came up against each other in the wonderful setting of Old Trafford, Manchester. It was one of our greatest nights, which we’re now going to relive through some unforgettable photos.

Barcelona and Real Madrid for Marcello Lippi’s Bianconeri, Ajax and Inter for Carlo Ancelotti’s Rossoneri: these are the teams that Juventus and AC Milan got the better of on their way to the final. Before 28 May 2003, the two sides had faced each other in three Coppa Italia finals (1942, 1973 and 1990), but it was a whole different story this time around. A huge showdown to be played in front of a breath-taking crowd.

In the league that season, there had been a victory apiece, with both teams running out 2-1 winners on home soil in two matches with early goals. In Manchester, the sides battled it out right from the get-go, but chances were initially at a premium.

The first real opening of the match came in the ninth minute: Rui Costa pulled it back for Shevchenko, who managed to fire past Buffon with his left foot. However, the joy of the Rossoneri fans was short-lived as the linesman raised his flag: Inzaghi was adjudged to be in an active offside position in front of Buffon when the Ukrainian striker let fly.

Then, SuperPippo came close a few minutes later: his splendid diving header from Seedorf’s cross was kept out by Buffon, who managed to turn it behind for a corner.

There was also a chance for Rui Costa, who shot narrowly wide, while, at the other end Del Piero was a constant threat and Conte hit the bar. However, it remained 0-0.

The two coaches tried to shake things up. In the second half, Coach Ancelotti replaced Costacurta, Pirlo and Rui Costa with Roque Júnior, Serginho and Ambrosini, but there was nothing to separate the teams.

The silver goal rule was in place, but the match stayed goalless throughout extra time. After 120 hard-fought minutes, penalties were needed to settle the Champions League final for the seventh time in history.

Juventus took the first penalty but failed to score: Trezeguet’s right-footed effort was read perfectly by Dida. Serginho then stepped up for the Rossoneri’s opening spot-kick and sent Buffon the wrong way with a powerful left-footed strike. 1-0 to AC Milan.

The two goalkeepers were in top form: after his first save, Dida also thwarted Zalayeta and Montero, while Buffon foiled Seedorf and Kaladze. With Birindelli, Nesta and Del Piero having successfully converted, the Rossoneri found themselves with the match point in their hands ahead of the tenth penalty.

Andriy Shevchenko was the man to put the ball on the spot. He looked at the referee several times and got the go-ahead. In a huge moment, he approached the ball with his right foot and… GOAL! AC MILAN: THE CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE!

Beautiful, eternal moments. The Diavolo were the Kings of Europe for the sixth time, and there was no containing the unbridled joy. Throughout the world, hearts were pulsating for the Rossoneri colours.

Out on the pitch, the stage was set for the trophy ceremony, and, one by one, the architects of an amazing triumph collected their medals. The trophy was ours, and Paolo Maldini raised it to the sky above Old Trafford.

From the field to the changing room, the party continued. AC Milan had painted the night red and black, becoming the Champions of Europe for the first time since 1994.

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