Juventus Preview:

Issues surrounding the team: Another successful year for Juventus as they clinched their 27th Seria A title in Italian League play. It was an injury filled year for Juventus as both star strikers Alessandro Del Piero and Frenchman David Trezeguet missed considerable time. Midfielder Pavel Nedved enjoyed a great season and is even receiving consideration for the Golden Boot Award, given to the top soccer player in the world. Unfortunately Nedved will miss the final game against AC Milan due to a one game suspension for collecting too many yellow cards. A stunning victory over Spanish super power Real Madrid in the semi-finals has vaulted Juventus into their 7th Champions League Final.

Key Players to watch:

Alessandro Del Piero, Forward and Captain: An enigmatic figure in Italian soccer, especially on the national scene. He will need to have a strong game in order for Juventus to win. Showed tremendous footwork and creativity in scoring and setting up goals in the semi-final stage. He will need to continue that type of effort.

David Trezeguet, Forward: A dangerous striker when healthy, "Trezegol" will need to capitalize on his scoring chances as the AC Milan defense will give up very few chances.

Edgar Davids, Midfielder: This Dutchman will be relied on for his solid and aggressive tackle play and tireless efforts defensively.

Gianluigi Buffon, Goalie: Has been exceptional throughout the tournament. Made a game saving stop on a Luis Figo penalty kick in the semi-finals. Juventus will count on him to make countless saves against AC Milan's talented group of forwards.

Gianluca Zambrotta, Midfielder: He delivered a perfect pass to Pavel Nedved during the semi-final stage and narrowly missed scoring a goal in the dying stages if that game. He will be counted on to replace some of the creativity that Nedved would have brought. Juventus Manager Marcelo Lippi has not hinted at his plans to replace Nedved in the lineup but my suggestion would be to move Zambrotta into Nedved's place behind Del Piero and Trezeguet and start Argentinean Mauro Camoranesi in Zambrotta's place.

Style of play & formation: Juventus plays a 4-4-2 formation and remains fairly conservative in their attacking approach. Typical of the Italian style of play they rely heavily on their defense and goaltending and count on their forwards to use their creativity and skills to open up space and opportunities.

Strengths & weaknesses: Juventus thrives on the solid play of goalie Buffon and the skill of their star forwards. The defense is very aggressive which often leads to a collection of yellow cards and fouls.

Why they'll win: Buffon will hold them in the game and they'll capitalize on some of their scoring chances against the stingy AC Milan defense.

Why they'll lose: AC Milan will exploit the loss of Pavel Nedved in the midfield. Juventus may play too conservatively waiting for the perfect scoring opportunity.

Prediction on the score: 2-1 Juventus (Patryk)

AC Milan Preview:

Issues surrounding the team: Italy's prime minister and AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi was one of the first to congratulate his side following their victory over Inter in the Champions League semi-final. He is hoping that Milan can win the Champions League for the first time since 1994, adding to an already full trophy case. Only Real Madrid has won more Champions League titles than AC Milan. With many of the world's top players, Milan is a powerhouse in Europe. While it has yet to return to its dominance of the early 1990s, AC Milan is once again in the Champions League final. Milan has the ability to play various formations and styles, both defensive and offensive. It will be interesting to see which formation will be utilized against Juventus.

Key Players to watch:

Paolo Maldini, Defender, Captain: No surprise that Milan's key players start on defence. Their excellent defence begins and ends with their captain Paolo Maldini. While Maldini has lost some of the pace of his youth, he brings a wealth of experience, both with the Italian national team, and with over 450 appearances for Milan. He is the heart and soul of the team, and the key to their defensive system.

Alessandro Nesta, Defender: Along with Maldini, Nesta forms the best central defending duo in the world. The former Lazio captain has excellent position play and quickness that often gives the illusion that Milan is playing with six at the back. Nesta is the next Maldini, and there is no greater compliment.

Clarence Seedorf, Midfielder: Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf has an opportunity to win the Champions League with three different clubs, after victories with Ajax and Real Madrid. Seedorf is Milan's aggressive, ball-hawking midfielder. Much like Mekele at Madrid and Davids for Juventus, Seedorf makes life miserable for players wandering through the centre of the pitch.

Manuel Rui Costa, Midfielder: Rui Costa is the maestro of Milan's offence. His excellent passing skills allow him to service Milan's formidable strikers early and often. The Portuguese international is perfectly suited to run at defenders, and leads Milan's transition game. His control of the midfield will be crucial for a Milan victory.

Andriy Shevchenko, Forward: Alongside Filippo Inzaghi, Shevchenko leads Milan's striker pairing. Although suffering through injury problems of late, Shevchenko is slowing returning to the form that saw him lead the Serie A in scoring, back in 2000. Blessed with excellent pace and a striker's mentality, Shevchenko can dominate defenders and is dangerous anywhere within 25 metres. Inzaghi's brilliance in this year's tournament is a direct result of the attention that Shevchenko receives.

Rivaldo, Forward: A dynamic and creative offensive threat at all times, Brazil's brilliant striker Rivaldo has the ability to dominate a game. His lack of tenacity on the defensive end has him sitting more often that would be imaginable for a player of his calibre. Because of his disappearance in the first eleven, Rivaldo is quite possibly the best substitute in Champions League. His availability also means that Milan can play a more attacking formation should it fall behind.

Style of play & formation: "Catenaccio", the Italian style "web" defense that many Serie A clubs have used over the years to stifle talented attacking players is Milan's preferred formation. It is led by their all-world tandem of central defenders, Maldini and Nesta. Catenaccio involves playing a flat-back four, combined with floating outside midfielders closer to the middle of the field in defensive sets. However, Milan has the personnel to play many different formations, including a Real Madrid-style attack. It would be a surprise however to see coach Carlo Ancelotti waiver from Milan's usual 4-4-2 formation, focusing on defence and quick transition.

Strengths & weaknesses: Milan's strength lies in their defence, one of the best in Europe. They also boast some talented strikers. The lack of a true defensive midfielder is Milan only Achilles heel. Milan's tendency to remain too defensive can be a weakness, especially against a talented team like Juventus.

Why they'll win: Milan is capable of playing superb defence. If they are to win, however, Milan will have to run at Juventus, allowing Rui Costa to orchestrate offence, and to service Shevchenko and Inzaghi. Seedorf will also have to out-battle Edgar Davids for loose balls if Milan is to win.

Why they'll lose: The loss of Nedved for Juventus means that AC Milan should own the midfield. Should Rui Costa, Andrea Pirlo and Seedorf fail to control the pace of the game in the midfield, Juventus will come out on top. Also, Milan must be patient, as Juventus will try to slow the game, preferring to counter-attack rather than press forward.

Prediction: AC Milan 2-0 (Shawn)