Following the Italian match-fixing scandal in the summer, AC Milan initially learned that they will not take part in the UEFA Champions League to the disappointment of the Rossoneri fans. However, after a successful appeal, Milan were permitted an entry to Europe's premier competition but had to play in the preliminary rounds. European governing body UEFA have made no secret of their frustration by Milan's participation and warned the Italian giants to be careful of their future conduct. Many pundits believed that after the eight-point penalty imposed on Milan for their role in the match-fixing scandal, and after selling Ukrainian striker Andriy Shevchenko to Chelsea as well as failing to sign high-profile players, the Rossoneri will not be able to mount a serious challenge for any title. But Milan beat the odds and went on to claim the Champions League title after concluding an impressive campaign with a 2-1 victory over Liverpool. "It was a very difficult season… the eight-point penalty, the injuries, with around ten players out, a series of incredible incidences with the woodwork, the referees that seemed to be prejudiced against us," Milan president Silvio Berlusconi said after the triumph. "But thanks to our consistency and perseverance we demonstrated that we are stronger than injustice and envy. I think that Milan are an example to follow, a team that take to the field to win and convince everyone by playing a beautiful game." Milan's start in the Italian Serie A wasn't promising to the extent that their fans feared the team could miss out on the first four places which earn qualification to the Champions League.
Berlusconi They lost four matches and drew eight times in their first 15 Serie A games to lie 13th in the table. "I think it has been a deserved win for the troubles we had to live. Undoubtedly there is a big satisfaction because in November the situation was really hard," Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti said. "I'm happy also because we have been able to recover and react from the bad situation we had in that period." Milan's January recruitments played a key role in the team's impressive run of results in the second half of the season. Former Lazio right-back Massimo Oddo and Real Madrid striker Ronaldo arrived at the San Siro and soon established themselves as regulars in Ancelotti's squad. Although Brazil's Ronaldo was Ineligible to play in Europe, his brilliant form in the Serie A forced Milan's other striking options, Alberto Gilardino and Filippo Inzaghi, to do even better in the Champions League in order to maintain their place in the team's squad. Milan's displays in the Champions League afterwards were true reflection of their form in the Serie A as they deservedly won the prestigious title.
