Billy Costacurta was present at the afternoon press conference at Milanello and this is what the defender had to say.

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Q.: What do expect next season after the summer of torment?
A.: I expect a serious team and one good in a tough way. It’s clear that we feel the penalty and this I think will make us a bit aggressive. Also to take something very very difficult will give us a lift.
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Q.: What is the affect of Juventus not being there? Are Inter the favourites?
A.: Yes, they are an excellent team and their biggest rivals start with an eight-point penalty. Then, Juventus are missing. I think Inter are favourties and have made excellent signings.
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Q.: As for the sentence, do you think the players have been treated unjustly?
A.: Yes, but not just them. Juventus are paying and have been penalised too much. The people who have made mistakes have paid less, while the clubs have been penalised too much, however, that it my idea. The players have been penalised as they work for the club, the fans, the sponsors ... only because two people probably made mistakes.
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Q.: What is your impression of Inter wearing the shield?
A.: I sincerely think it is right. If some say Juve and Milan made mistakes that’s right, there cannot be agreement on what they were sentenced, but were the league finished, it is right.
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Q.:So you are not in agreement with Berlusconi who said that Milan deserved the title?
A.:I agree with Berlusconi, because I think Milan deserved the title but there is the sentence. On this point, I think the Juventus players deserved it.
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Q.: Are you worried about the preparation the defence has had ahead of the Red Star game?
A.: There is great respect for Red Star. We are missing players in defence. We don’t have Stam to deal with Zigic but Favalli is a stronger player than Zigic.
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Q.: You are near retirement but now going to be fundamental in the Champions League.
A.: Yes, I thought I was closing my career in the Champions League semi-finals against Barcelona, instead I can help the defence. I am proud and happy, however, I would like the regulars to play because I am a Milan fan.
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Q.: Do you think the Milan defence needs reinforcement?
A.: No, Nesta, Maldini and Kaladze will be back soon.
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Q.: Will Red Star’s fitness worry you?
A.: If it was November and with a full squad then we would be favourites. It’s normal to have respect for Red Star.
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Q.: Do you remember Belgrade 18 years ago?
A.: I remember the goal that wasn’t given and the strange air, it was a bit scary coming out the tunnel. It was strange evening.
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D.: What’s your impression of Gourcuff?
A.: I like Gourcuff a lot. He’s a bit like Zidane, I like him as a guy. He has a great personality and Milan need that.
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D.: Some are saying Ibrahimovic and Crespo are close to Milan.
A.: Really? I don’t know, it’s difficult. They are two really good strikers. Hernan is really nice, but Ibrahimovic is strong, I really like him.
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Q.: How are you preparing for the game on Wednesday. Is there more thought on skill?
A.: I think are style of play uses skill, taking control of the game. You don’t need to be aggressive, you need to keep the ball. I don’t think that qualification will happen at the San Siro, after the 4-1 with Deportivo La Coruña I don’t expect anything more.’
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Q.: How will the movement of the defence change?
A.: This depends on the coach, the movement has to be perfect. The important thing is to make as few mistakes as possible. I have played against centre-forwards 20 centimetres taller than me but I haven’t given away many goals. That helps the team.
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Q.: How does Galliani feel after the events?
R.: Angry. He’s been give a lift ... we need him to play in the preliminary! We need him and Gattuso in the middle of the pitch ...