From Uefa.com
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Milan began brightly in the 2005 finalMilan began brightly in the 2005 final (AFP)
Milan braced for Turkish test
Monday, 5 September 2005
It is just under four months since AC Milan relinquished a 3-0 half-time lead to lose on penalties in the most dramatic of UEFA Champions League finals against Liverpool FC in Istanbul. So it is ironic that last season's runners-up start this campaign with a game against a club from Istanbul.
Fenerbahçe SK retained their Turkish title in May, and will be keen to continue the improved form shown at the end of the 2004/05 group stage. Fenerbahçe won their last two matches - a 1-0 victory at AC Sparta Praha prefacing Tuncay Sanli's hat-trick which defeated Manchester United FC 3-0 - to give this young side a boost for their return to the tournament.
The teams have yet to meet in UEFA competition, but Milan will be aware of the threat of Istanbul clubs in the Champions League. Their encounters with Galatasaray SK have resulted in Milan's elimination from two recent group stages.
In 1999/00 Milan won 2-1 at home in Group H, but Galatasaray edged the return 3-2 with late goals from Hakan Sükür and an Ümit Davala penalty, sending Milan crashing out of the event.
The following season Milan initially gained a measure of revenge in the first group stage with two wins against Beşiktaş JK, 4-1 at home and 2-0 in Istanbul, but again Galatasaray were to prove a thorn in their side. A 2-2 draw at Milan in Group B of the second group stage was followed by a 2-0 loss in the return, and another early exit.
Milan will have happier memories of their first meeting with a Turkish team back in the 1962/63 European Champion Clubs' Cup. An 8-1 aggregate victory against Galatasaray was a prelude to winning the competition with a 2-1 success against SL Benfica at Wembley – the side being captained by Cesare Maldini, father of current Rossoneri skipper Paolo Maldini.
Overall, Milan have played four home games against Turkish opposition with three wins and a draw, and a goal difference of 13-4. Their biggest victory was the first match against Galatasaray in 1963 when José Altafini's hat-trick helped Milan triumph 5-0.
Fenerbahçe will be making their fifth trip to Italy - they have lost on their previous four, scoring twice while conceding eleven goals. Overall, Fenerbahçe have one win and seven defeats from eight outings against Serie A sides, with three goals scored against 14 conceded.
Fenerbahçe have met one Italian team in the Champions League. They were drawn against Juventus FC in Group C of the 1996/97 group stage, with Juve winning 1-0 in Turkey and 2-0 in Turin.
The last time Fenerbahçe faced a side from Italy was in the first round of the 1998/99 UEFA Cup, against Parma FC. Fenerbahçe won the home leg 1-0 for their only victory against Serie A opposition, but Parma prevailed 3-1 in the return with Hernán Crespo among the scorers. Parma went on to win the competition.
My prediction?
Realistically...2-0 for Milan,
BUT, my prediction
1-1, Shevchenko, Anelka
, and who knows, Football is a crazy sport sometimes, so we'll have to see tomorrow. 
