© EuroFootball.com
Traveling to the city of Eindhoven in the Netherlands with a two-goal lead, the Italian champion is just a step away from the second UEFA Champions League final in three years, but even though they do not have much hope of overturning this deficit today, it certainly shouldn't be easy for the Italians.
This is because "PSV" will play in their own "Philips" arena, and with the secured title of the Dutch champions, they can now fully focus on the Champions League, while "Milan" is still fiercely fighting to defend the name of the best team in Serie A, and will have to play against their main rival Juventus on Sunday.
After the first leg matches between the two teams in Milan, "PSV" coach G. Hiddink had to regret the numerous opportunities his players failed to capitalize on in the second half, unable to cause bigger problems for goalkeeper Dida, and now the coach demands those "killer instincts" from his team in front of the goal, which could describe Milan's game at the "San Siro" stadium.
"Eindhoven's team on the way to the final was not hindered by the absence of a top-class striker, but in the first semi-final match, the difference between "PSV" and "Milan" was felt on the bench - the Italian club had players like F.Inzaghi, Serginho, and J.D.Tomasson on the bench, with the latter scoring that crucial second goal for his team.
"PSV" will start today's match with a different lineup than the first leg - due to yellow cards, defender A.Ooijer will miss the game, with T. Lucius expected to play in his place, and J. Vennegoor of Hesselink replacing D. Beasley who suffered an injury in Friday's league match.
On the other hand, "Milan" coach C.Ancelotti does not have any injury problems, as all players are healthy and ready to play. The only pleasant question for him might be which players to choose and what tactics to use - it is believed that the Italian coach may release only A. Shevchenko in attack, with Kaka and Rui Costa supporting him.
Despite being the clear favorite in this tie and with a very important match approaching in the Italian championship, C. Ancelotti does not underestimate the opponents and does not plan to relax, understanding that giving the initiative to the opponents could end badly.
"I have a great team that can achieve great victories, whether in Italy or in the Champions League," said Ancelotti - "However, we should worry about "PSV" because last week in the second half we lost the initiative and they looked dangerous. We don't want to do that again because if they manage to dictate the conditions of the game, they have already shown enough skill to harm us."
The coach admitted that he does not expect a repeat of last year's scenario when "Milan" had a three-goal advantage and squandered it in the away match against Deportivo La Coruna, especially since this season the Milan team has not conceded a goal in nine out of eleven matches, and "PSV" has only scored twice at home during the qualifying rounds.
Projected starting lineups:
"PSV" (4-3-1-2): Gomes; Bouma, Lucius, Alex, Lee; Van Bommel, Vogel, Cocu; Park; Farfan, Vennegoor of Hesselink
"Milan" (4-3-2-1): Dida; Cafu, Stam, Nesta, Maldini; Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf; Kaka, Rui Costa; Shevchenko
