TIME MACHINE: IELPO IN SPARTA PRAHA v AC MILAN

Prague isn't new for the Rossoneri geographical map: from 1973 to 2020, eight previous matches have been played and half in the heart of the Czech Republic where AC Milan have never lost so far; even though they've always been tough matches (two double 1-0s and two double 0-0s). And it's precisely a goalless draw against Sparta - awaiting Slavia - the memory ready to resurface thanks to our Time Machine. Today, as then, it was the return leg of the UEFA Cup Round of 16 -the modern Europa League- on 5 December 1995.

Mario Ielpo plays in goal. A simple task only in theory, as he needs to safeguard the lead from the first leg after Weah's brace secured a 2-0 victory. From Ielpo's performance, capable of keeping the safe intact at San Siro, truth be told, hardly challenged by the opponent, a significant part of the qualification passed. Mario was experiencing his final season in the AC Milan shirt, having arrived in 1993 after spells with Lazio, Siena, and Cagliari. A very good relationship with Mister Capello, but Rossi's position as the starting goalie was hard to dislodge. In the 1995/96 season, no appearances in Serie A, but the UEFA Cup represented an important alternative showcase to shine. His display at the Stadion Letná is a demonstration of skill.

The first obstacle is the weather: cold, sleet, ice. The pitch is whitened, making room for the orange ball. The start is encouraging, although the match remains fairly disjointed, with attempts from Boban and Weah, but Kouba is alert. As often happens in football, the first conceded offensive after a dominant phase lacking in finishing risks being costly: it takes a great leap from Ielpo to deny a long-range effort from a young Nedved. In the second half, the team leaves some spaces too much, saving themselves thanks to the Roman number 1 and also luck (Lokvenc hits the post). A goalless draw is enough to progress.

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