No, this is not about Serie A, the English Premier League or vice-versa - all that matters is who brings the Cup home. The Champions League trophy doesn't care if you even won your own domestic league, it doesn't care if finalists are from the same country - the trophy is an affirmative-action equal-opportunity employer!

I had a feeling we would be locking horns with the Arsenal. With the kind of season that we're having, destiny again showed its perverted sense of humour, setting up this tie against an undisputedly top-tier opponent. Throw in the bonus of all the hype that can only be stirred up by English media and what we get is the match of our lives; the scoreless draw at the Emirates only served to push our nerves beyond the limit and the stakes couldn't possibly be higher.

And what is at stake, you ask? Well, this whole idea of Young v Old regurgitated ad-infinitum by the all-knowing pundits, who just can't resist an opportunity to play down the chances of the Red and Black Geriatric XI, is truly insignificant. Look beyond the superficial pre-game punditry and you'll hopefully acquaint yourself with the nuances of this monumental confrontation. Wonderful contrasts between several components on both sides paint a classic football masterpiece.

'Will Wenger's team have the desire, the composure to defeat the Champions inside their own Fortress, or will the veterans make this brilliant Arsenal team another footnote in their quest for immortality?'


Neither side have been at their best recently, for various reasons - but in this competition players being ruled out due to injury or suspension at key moments during their team's campaign have played a role in the final outcome. These statistics only serve to support the arguments of bad losers.

All that matters is whether the footballers who feature at the San Siro tonight can raise their game above the required level. That said, we're lucky that the biggest star on either team is going to be performing tonight.

There is no real animosity between opposing sets of fans, there is in fact, an almost palpable feeling of mutual respect between both teams. No taunting, no mind games - the Milan camp's recent statements concerning their Golden Ball winner's treatment were obviously directed towards local folk.

Coincidentally, the Gunners have also been victims of similar treatment. It would be foolish to think otherwise. This tie is so immense that nobody wants to say anything that could potentially cause their opponents to increase their desire to secure a landmark victory, with the whole world watching.

Everyone wants to be a winner, but strangely enough, losing tonight might not be such a bad thing for either team. Both sides would arguably be better off by having "all their eggs in one basket" right now, as they cannot boast the depth of some of Europe's elite clubs like Inter, Manchester United or Chelsea.

Regardless of what happens, Milan will reflect on these past two decades of ridiculous consistency and competitiveness at the highest level and give themselves an overdue pat on the back. Legends will hang up their boots and a new era will begin with a fresh injection of youth.

Even though he may not have enjoyed much success in Europe, Arsene Wenger will always be appreciated and revered. The blueprint of a side which just fizzles with verve and makes you wonder if it's really all about winning, or something else. Unlike what is happening at Liverpool these days, the wily Frenchman has seen to it that boardroom turbulence does not shake up the playing staff.

However, I sincerely doubt that he can tactically outmanoeuvre Milan's homegrown Maestro. If Arsenal want to beat Milan today, it will have more to do with attitude than tactical nous. This Milan side are not built around speed, stamina and skill. They are incomparably resilient and willing to sacrifice themselves for the good of the group.

If it wasn't for that mental strength, this team would quickly have been written off. Talent is a gift, not something that can be taught or coached, and tonight is as good an occasion as any for these two juggernauts to put their whole repertoire on display.

Arsenal will have to play just as well, or maybe even better than they did when they were robbed by Barcelona in the Final not so long ago. Will they have the desire, the composure to defeat the Champions inside their own Fortress, or will the veterans make this brilliant Arsenal team another footnote in their quest for immortality?

The Diavoli, with several World Cup winners in their ranks, hardly lose any sleep over Serie A match-ups. Their reputation on these midweek UEFA nights urges you tear up their recent form sheet.

Do they still have the hunger to win? The answer is simple, cooler heads will prevail. Best thing for a player to do is just to go out there and play, without ‘overthinking’ his every move.

Here's to the mother of all clashes. May the best team win.