The drama was increased before the starting whistle. The kick-off was delayed by 15 minutes as Milan's team bus took a wrong turn on its way to the Dall'Ara Stadium.

Beppe Signori made his first start since November in order to replace the suspended Lamberto Zauli and once again the striker proved just how important he is to this team. The veteran's free kick ricocheted off the upright and into the path of Salvatore Fresi's diving header to open the scoring after just three minutes.

Signori had the opportunity to double their lead on 19 minutes, but incredibly he miss-hit with only the 'keeper to beat. The second goal came soon after as Julio Cruz beat the offside trap and waltzed past Christian Abbiati.

The Rossoneri were without injured star striker Andriy Shevchenko and surprisingly fielded Marco Simone upfront. Milan were particularly toothless in attack and had their first shot on goal at the half-hour mark with a diving Jose Mari header.

Milan fans protested at this disappointing display by leaving the Stadium over half an hour before the final whistle.