Milan have shown how far consistency, composure, experience and history can take you in the football world - and once again will showcase these great characteristics in the Champions League Final in Athens tonight.

The Italian giants’ composure and calmness on the ball has worked positively for the most part - but has also proved a fatal weakness at times. Bayern Munich came back to claim a 2-2 draw in the first leg of the quarter-final, and more dramatically, Liverpool hit back from 3-0 down in 2005 to claim the European crown itself. The Rossoneri also allowed Manchester United to come back and snatch an undeserved first-leg win in this year’s semi-final.

But a common factor here is that they have not made the same mistake twice against the same team. I only foresee perfect implementation against Liverpool of a great characteristic that most international teams wish they had.

Kaka’s pace and brilliance, Clarence Seedorf's decisiveness and composure, Alessandro Nesta’s solid performance, Massimo Oddo and Marek Jankulowski’s defence and attacking prowess, Andrea Pirlo’s vision, Massimo Ambrosini’s stability, Filippo Inzaghi’s opportunistic nature and Dida’s great reflexes are just a few things Liverpool should worry about.

On the other side, Steven Gerrard's brilliance, Javier Mascherano’s stability, Jamie Carragher’s above-par performances and Pepe Reina’s penalty saves (which won't be required on Wednesday) are all that Milan should consider. Peter Crouch’s height, Craig Bellamy and Dirk Kuyt’s inaccuracy won’t do much to trouble the Italians’ solid defence.

The destination of the 2006-07 Champions League trophy will depend entirely on Milan’s calmness and composure and not on Liverpool game. Milan’s composure will either break their quest for European glory or signal their continuing tradition of European dominance. I know the Rossoneri will reign supreme once again and Liverpool will be forced to look forward to next year as Milan’s consistency is unmatched by any other team in Europe.

I think one of the most dominant teams in Europe will outclass yet another English side in emphatic style. The composure of Carlo Ancelotti’s men will prove to be their strength once again - delivering a performance to be respected and remembered for years to come.

Will Milan’s calmness and composure be their strength or weakness on the night? Leave a comment below or write an article for Sportingo if you prefer.