Today, we are taking a look back at the glorious 2007 Milan that went on to defeat Liverpool 2-1 in the UEFA Champions League final thanks to a Filippo Inzaghi brace, and namely, where those who participated in the final are today. This article will only feature the starting 11!

Starting XI

GK: Nelson Dida (43)

The legendary Brazilian keeper made 206 appearances with Milan and kept 90 clean sheets during his time with the Rossoneri. He was part of a legendary side that ultimately lost the 2004 champions league final, but got his revenge against Liverpool in 2007. Today, Dida is studying football coaching in Italy while looking for a new team to take him as their custodian, and he has stated he doesn’t want to retire just yet.

RB: Massimo Oddo (40)

The Italian international is a player whose name might have flown under the radar for a few Milan fans, seeing as how he came through the youth academy, only to be sold away and bought back seven years later before the start of the 06-07 campaign. Oddo received a match rating of 8 and was one of the better players through the game, terrorizing Riise down the right flank. Oddo retired from football in 2012 with Lecce and is now currently the manager of Serie A side Pescara, whom Milan recently beat 1-0.

CB: Alessandro Nesta (40)

The Italian and club legend is known as one of the greatest Italian centre-backs of all time (coupled with his partner Maldini) and played an integral role in the side that won the 2007 final. Nesta made 224 appearances with the club and netted 7 goals as well. The Italian blocked a crucial shot from Liverpool’s Dirk Kuyt to deny a goal that would’ve changed the course of the game. Nesta currently manages NASL side Miami FC.

CB: Paulo Maldini (48)

Widely renowned as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, center back of all time, Maldini made a club record 647 appearances with the Rossoneri and captained the side to the UCL victory in 2007. Maldini recently rejected a role with Milan this year as he felt that he didn’t have a job description that he would’ve liked. It’s the hope of many Milanisti that Maldini one day comes back and plays a role with his former club. Today, Maldini is the co-owner of the aforementioned Miami FC that Alessandro Nesta currently manages.

LB: Marek Jankulovski (39)

Jankulovski was a Czech wizard on the left flank in his 06-07 season with Milan, constantly shutting down opponents and driving defenders up the wall. Unfortunately, Jankulovski was exposed during the Champions League Final, letting Jermaine Pennant beat him on a few occasions leading to the corner kick that allowed Liverpool to score. Jankulovski currently lives with his two children and wife in the Czech Republic

RM: Gennaro Gattuso (38)

The true enforcer of Italy, Gattuso was a menace to opposing sides in his heyday, and he was a thorn in Liverpool’s side as well during the final making quite a few crunching tackles. The Calabro native left Milan in 2012 to join FC Sion who he’d retire with one year later. Gattuso is currently the manager of Serie B side Pisa, who sits in 15^th place at the moment.

CM: Andrea Pirlo (37)

The bearded wizard of Italian football is undoubtedly one of the greatest centre midfielders of his time, and Milan fans are wishing he’d never been let go from the squad, as he did them plenty of damage plying his trade for Juventus. Pirlo provided a crucial free kick that Inzaghi was able to direct into the net for a 1-0 lead in the first half of the memorable final. Today, Pirlo plays for New York City FC in the MLS and while his talented has not gone unnoticed by American soccer supporters, it’s only a matter of time before Pirlo decides to hang his boots up and maybe one day take up a managerial role in Italy.

CM: Massimo Ambrosini (39)

The dynamic defensive central midfielder is a Milan legend having made 344 appearances in the red and black while netting 29 goals and providing 16 assists as well. Ambrosini was a wonderful possessor of the ball and did such during the contest against Liverpool, essentially dominating the midfield during the first half of the final. Ambrosini is currently the special coach of the AC Milan running team.

LM: Clarence Seedorf (40)

Seedorf is another renowned Milan legend making 300 appearances with the club and scoring 48 goals in his time at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, including quite a few long range efforts. Unfortunately, the left flank was exposed during the final with Pennant and Finnan giving more than the Dutch international and Jankulovski could handle, so the former Ajax product was not able to make his full mark on the game. Seedorf had a brief stint as manager of Milan before he was sacked in the following year, and he now manages Shenzhen in the Chinese League One, who finished 9^th out of 16 overall teams.

SS: Kaka (34)

What couldn’t the Brazilian wonder do in his prime? He was fast, possessed incredible awareness on and off the ball, remarkable dribbling and passing, and to top it all off he had a deadly eye for goal. Kaka basically engineered his side to the final in 2007 and created the second goal that Inzaghi slotted home comfortably. After returning to Milan following a brief stint with Real Madrid, Kaka wasn’t quite the same player which saw him sign with Orlando City FC, where he currently still plays.

CF: Filippo Inzaghi (43)

The Italian forward was quite the finisher in his time with Milan, netting 73 in 202 appearances and also netted a crucial brace in the 2-1 victory against Liverpool. Although the first goal was more of a deflection, the second was put away comfortably by the former Bianconeri hitman. Inzaghi was man of the match and it was rightfully deserved as he constantly tormented Pepe Reina and his defense. After a brief stint in charge of Milan, Inzaghi took charge of Venezia FC where he currently is today, with his side sitting second in the Lega Pro table through 13 matches.