#ONTHISDAY: 2004, SHEVA SECURES THE 17TH SCUDETTO

May 2 is an important date in Rossoneri history. Maybe not so much as the 23, synonymous with huge successes, but not far off. Today, Thursday 2 May 2024, marks 20 years since a splendid Milan afternoon. Beating Roma 1-0 at San Siro, AC Milan won themselves the title of Champions of Italy for the 17th time. Let's relive the game through the best pictures.

The sight at San Siro was moving, the ground was packed out. Ancelotti's side had the first match point for the title, in the clash with direct rivals, Capello's AS Roma: winning would mean the Scudetto with two games still to play.

6 points clear at the top with 270 minutes left in the league, the game is a big one, and Ancelotti started his best side. Dida in net and Cafu-Nesta-Maldini-Costacurta in defence; the midfield was made up of Gattuso, Pirlo and Seedorf with Kaká supporting the Tomasson-Shevchenko duo.

The 77,000 fans at San Siro only had to wait 80 seconds to celebrate after Messina blew the whistle to start the game. Kaká crossed from the right, and Shevchenko twisted from the spot to put an unstoppable ball past Pelizzoli.

It was goal number 22 for the Ukrainian forward in the league, and undoubtedly the most important. Sheva would close out the season with 24 goals, winning himself the title of top goalscorer and equalling his personal record, something he also achieved in his first two seasons in Italy, 1999/00 and 2000/01.

An advantage wasn't enough for the hungry Rossoneri, who went close to doubling the lead across the first half, especially with Seedorf and Shevchenko once again. Dida, however, was unsurprised by the visitors' first shot in the 39th minute through Candela.

The second half was more intense and hard-fought given the stakes. Two free kicks taken by Totti didn't bring anything for the Giallorossi whilst Tomasson had a number of chances without ever beating Pelizzoli.

There was little play in the last 15 minutes, and the final whistle meant the game ended as it had stood since the second minute: 1-0 to AC Milan. Rain fell on San Siro, but that couldn't stop the Rossoneri party.

Finishing the season on 82 points, thanks to the result against Brescia on the final day (also the final career game for Roberto Baggio), marked a new record in Serie A with 18 teams and in the era of 3 points for a win, as did the 11 point gap to second in the standings (Roma).

It was a Rossoneri triumph. A victory that attests to a wonderful two years for the side that won the Coppa Italia - again against Roma - and the Champions League in the previous season, and at the start of 2003/04 also won the UEFA Super Cup.

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