The Milan team of 2004/05 is one of the most iconic in modern history and featured a catalogue of generational icons.
Carlo Ancelotti had an embarrasment of riches with a blend of defensive stalwarts, creative geniuses and potent strikers forging a formidable outfit that challenged on the domestic and continental scene.
The season began auspiciously with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Lazio in the Supercoppa Italiana courtesy of an Andriy Shevchenko hat-trick, but the campaign ended in heartache in both Serie A and the UEFA Champions League.
Suffering a shock quarter-final defeat in the Coppa Italia to Udinese, a 1-0 loss to Juventus in early May saw Milan relinquish their Serie A crown to the Old Lady.
The Rossoneri, however, had reached the UEFA Champions League final having eliminated Manchester United, arch rivals Inter and PSV Eindhoven on their path to Istanbul.
They were 45 minutes away from a seventh European crown as they led Liverpool 3-0 at half-time in the final, but Milan were on the receiving end of one of the greatest comebacks in UEFA Champions League history as Liverpool forced extra time before sealing victory on penalties.
With Brazilian goalkeeper Dida between the sticks, Milan's back four was a unit to cherish: Cafu, Alessandro Nesta, Jaap Stam and Paolo Maldini.
Gennaro Gattuso, Clarence Seedorf, Andrea Pirlo and Kaka formed Ancelotti's diamond midfield, with Shevchenko and Hernan Crespo leading the line.
Milan 2004/05 - Most matches
- Dida
- Kaka
- Paolo Maldini
- Cafu
- Gennaro Gattuso
- Clarence Seedorf
- Andrea Pirlo
- Alessandro Nesta
- Andriy Shevchenko
- Hernan Crespo
