Andrea Pirlo and AC Milan will finally get the chance to banish the memory of their Champions League defeat to Liverpool two years ago when the clubs meet again for the title on Wednesday.
The Rossoneri lost in a penalty shoot-out against the Reds in the 2005 epic showdown in Istanbul, having given away a 3-0 half-time lead.
Pirlo, who missed a penalty in the final in Turkey, only has revenge in his mind as his team again take on Rafael Benitez's men in Athens.
"That final remained in our minds for a long time," said the Italian midfielder.
"But in a few days' time we will have the opportunity to cancel out those memories."
The Italy playmaker has warned Liverpool to expect a battle as the Italians are fired up to claim their seventh European crown.
"We are a great team and they will have to be on their guard not only because of me but because of the quality of the rest of my team-mates," he said.
"Likewise, we will have to be careful with Liverpool because they have great players too."
Carlo Ancelotti's side have reason to be optimistic having Kaka, who has been Milan's undisputed star in recent years, at his best.
The Brazilian midfielder struck three of Milan's five goals in the semi-final tie against Manchester United and is currently the top scorer in the competition with 10 goals.
"Kaka has been very important for us this season," said Pirlo. "He has shown yet again what a great player he is."
Pirlo, who was a member of Italy's World Cup-winning side last summer, admits his team are calm under pressure.
"We are prepared mentally and physically for this game," said Pirlo.
"This is a game that every player wants to experience.
"This will be my third final and I personally don't feel any nerves ahead of game."
Pirlo, who missed a penalty in the final in Turkey, only has revenge in his mind as his team again take on Rafael Benitez's men in Athens.
"That final remained in our minds for a long time," said the Italian midfielder.
"But in a few days' time we will have the opportunity to cancel out those memories."
The Italy playmaker has warned Liverpool to expect a battle as the Italians are fired up to claim their seventh European crown.
"We are a great team and they will have to be on their guard not only because of me but because of the quality of the rest of my team-mates," he said.
"Likewise, we will have to be careful with Liverpool because they have great players too."
Carlo Ancelotti's side have reason to be optimistic having Kaka, who has been Milan's undisputed star in recent years, at his best.
The Brazilian midfielder struck three of Milan's five goals in the semi-final tie against Manchester United and is currently the top scorer in the competition with 10 goals.
"Kaka has been very important for us this season," said Pirlo. "He has shown yet again what a great player he is."
Pirlo, who was a member of Italy's World Cup-winning side last summer, admits his team are calm under pressure.
"We are prepared mentally and physically for this game," said Pirlo.
"This is a game that every player wants to experience.
"This will be my third final and I personally don't feel any nerves ahead of game."
Copyright (c) Press Association
Related Articles

Where are they now? Former A-League Euro stars

Milan's Amelia requests transfer
