Seedorf recalls 2003 UCL derby and outlines what Milan ‘showed against Napoli’

Former AC Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf has recalled the Champions League derby he played in 20 years ago, and praised his former team for their performances against Napoli.

Milan booked their spot in the final four of the competition by beating Napoli 2-1 on aggregate and Inter ensured that they will play their city rivals after a 5-3 win over two legs against Portuguese side Benfica.

Seedorf spoke to to Prime Video and he reacted to the confirmation that the Milanese clubs will do battle in Europe once again, 18 years after the last time, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.

“I played in one 20 years ago too. There was great tension, in the end there were two draws. The second match we played ‘away from home’ and in the end this was an advantage after the 0-0 draw in the first leg. I assisted Sheva,” he recalled.

“Milan and Inter deserve to have reached this milestone. Milan showed against Napoli an ability to know how to defend that I haven’t seen for some time and also an ability to counter with quality. I expect two exciting derbies, I can’t wait. Italy will once again have a team in the Champions League final.”

The two teams met in 2002-03 at the semi-final stage with Milan going through on away goals after a 1-1 aggregate draw. The quarter-final clash in 2003-05 saw the Rossoneri win 5-0 on aggregate after a 2-0 first leg win and the second leg being abandoned as Inter fans rained flares down on Dida.