HELLAS VERONA v AC MILAN: A PREVIOUS MEETING

Every great triumph starts from somewhere, and it's no different in football. Indeed, there are certain matches whose positive implications last for months, if not years. This is because they, to all intents and purposes, represent the first chapter of a great story. Verona is a city where the Rossoneri have experienced both great moments and disappointments. There have been huge setbacks at the Bentegodi, but AC Milan have also recorded vital victories that have been pivotal for their aspirations. One example is their win on 28 April 2002, just over 20 years ago.

SETTING THE SCENE
As is the case this season, the Rossoneri's trip to Verona back then was one of their final matches of the season (the penultimate, in fact). It was also their second fixture at the Bentegodi in less than a month after their clash against Chievo a few weeks before. At the end of April, it was time to face Hellas, although AC Milan weren't in the best form going into the game: their previous league fixtures had seen them lose to Juventus and play out a goalless draw with Roma, while they'd also been knocked out of the UEFA Cup semi-finals by Borussia Dortmund. In sixth place and with a two-point deficit to make up on fourth-place Chievo, the team needed to win. It had been a year of change: after the summer arrivals of Pirlo, Rui Costa and Inzaghi, Carlo Ancelotti replaced Fatih Terim in the dugout in the autumn. That day, the coach from Reggiolo was able to call on the services of Paolo Maldini, who, after his absence the weekend before, lined up in the centre of defence.

THE BALL JUST DIDN’T WANT TO GO IN
While the Rossoneri fans had half an eye on what was going on elsewhere - in Bologna v Lazio and Roma v Chievo, to be precise - the team took to the pitch in a focused and assertive manner. In the sixth minute, Chamot played a ball over the top for Inzaghi, whose half-volley was saved by Ferron in the Verona goal. However, Malesani's Hellas, who were fighting to avoid the drop, then took the lead in the 28th minute: Mutu let fly with a fantastic right-footed strike from distance that left Abbiati with no chance. In a further blow, Laursen was forced off due to injury on the 33-minute mark, with Helveg coming on in his place. Three minutes later, Shevchenko shot wide as the Rossoneri continued to attack. In the 43rd minute, Pirlo hit the post with a free kick; a subsequent ricochet fell to Inzaghi's feet, but Ferron reacted quickly to thwart Superpippo. The second half kicked off and AC Milan were awarded a penalty after Cannavaro was adjudged to have fouled Kaladze. Serginho stepped up but hit the woodwork from twelve yards out.  

INZAGHI LEVELS MATTERS, PIRLO WINS IT
With an hour played, the hosts had the chance to double their advantage through Italiano, but Kaladze got in the way of the current Fiorentina coach's effort. Then, AC Milan equalised after 65 minutes: Kaladze's through ball found Inzaghi, who confidently fired home. It was the Rossoneri's first league goal in 322 minutes: SuperPippo had bagged the last one too, also in Verona but against Chievo. It was a really lively affair, and the home side almost restored their lead through Colucci from a corner. However, the third goal of the afternoon went to AC Milan. Kaladze produced a splendid pass with the outside of his left boot - another assist for the Georgian - and Pirlo was the grateful recipient. The Italian then rounded Ferron, scored his second Serie A goal of the campaign and celebrated in front of the away fans. It was a huge three points for Ancelotti's men: defeats for Chievo and Lazio meant that they moved above those sides into fourth – level on points with Bologna - with just 90 minutes of the season remaining. AC Milan then sealed their spot in the 2002/03 Champions League thanks to their final-day victory over Lecce and Bologna’s loss in Brescia.

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