Galliani on Celtic vs. Milan and fair play

By Italian Football
December 7 2004

Interviewed while leaving Malpensa airport yesterday, the Milan chief Adriano Galliani stated that although he understood the importance of the game, he was not worried about qualification, He said:

’We are relaxed because we don’t fear being eliminated against a prestigious team. However, it remains an important game because to finish top of the group gives us many advantages for the knockout stage, so we absolutely cannot lose. It is also a matter of pride; all matches are important, even when they are not decisive, and Milan, who are however first amongst the Italians, with one more draw, would be eighth and not ninth in the club world rankings.’

When questioned on the current debate over fair play that is raging in Italy he was quoted as saying: ‘There is a referee on the pitch to take charge of just such decisions, it is up to him to judge whether play must be stopped or not.'

And finally on Milan title chances Galliani said: 'Milan have been playing at this level for years and it is not news for us to be at the top. Right now, I can just say that Juve are doing better at home, while we are giving our best away. Above all, we missed out on the three points with Messina.'