Source: Telegraph
Italian press reaction: Manchester United's Wayne Rooney taught AC Milan 'a lesson'
Milan's 4-0 Champions League humbling was inspired by a brace from Rooney, who often had the Rossoneri's ageing defence chasing shadows.[LNB]"Once upon a time, there was Milan," read the front page of La Gazzetta dello Sport, after Milan went out of the competition 7-2 on aggregate. "Mission impossible turned into a humbling, and the ruins of the old Milan remain at Old Trafford." [LNB] Related ArticlesMan Utd 4 AC Milan 0; 7-2 aggNomura to advise Red Knights on United takeoverBeckham backs United to win Champions LeagueDavid Beckham departs in green and gold scarfDebate: was Cristiano Ronaldo wrong to leave United?Fabio Capello given food for thought by Gary NevilleOther Italian newspapers were equally scathing. [LNB]"Milan humiliated," said La Repubblica. "A lesson from (two-goal Wayne) Rooney. Milan go out with their heads hanging low - 4-0 isn't a defeat, it's a thrashing." [LNB]Even Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani admitted the side had suffered a huge setback against Manchester United after much optimism had been expressed before the game about Milan's chances of reversing the 3-2 deficit from the home leg. [LNB]"Naturally, it's hard to swallow that the club which has won more international titles than anyone else loses 4-0," Galliani told reporters. "I'm a little ashamed." [LNB]Italian commentators said Milan's injury problems, with Brazilian forward Alexandre Pato and influential centre back Alessandro Nesta both unfit for the match, were no excuse. [LNB]"Losing at Old Trafford is acceptable, but not in such a complete way, without showing any desperate pride," said Gazzetta.[LNB]
