Carlo Ancelotti made no secret that he hopes his Real Madrid side will get to play against Milan in the Champions League Final, but strongly criticised referee Artur Soares Dias after a 1-1 draw against Man City: ‘The Italian one was better.’
The 63-year-old was in the Milan dugout on all four of the occasions they previously faced Inter in the Champions League knockout rounds, including the previous semi-final clash in 2003.
With two Champions League titles with the Rossoneri as a coach, as well as another two during his playing days, it is fair to say that Ancelotti wishes his former side well in the competition.
Speaking to the Mediaset cameras after drawing 1-1 with Manchester City in Real’s semi-final, Ancelotti said: “It’s a good semi-final. I remember 2003 which was a very painful semi-final. It’s nice that a top-level derby returns to Europe. With all due respect to Inter, I can’t help but say Forza Milan.
However, Ancelotti was less cheery when discussing the officiating during Tuesday night’s clash, claiming that the referees weren’t up to the required standard for such an important fixture.
He did, however, believe that the Italian fourth official, Daniele Orsato, was among the “good” referees on the night.
“We don’t want to complain, but it didn’t seem like a referee who was up to the occasion with the quality seen on the pitch,” he said to Sky Sport Italia after the full-time whistle.
“He booked me, but he should have given the cards to those on the pitch who deserved them more. There was a clear corner kick that escaped him in the build-up to the equaliser and the ball might have gone out of play before the goal.
He continued: “The good referee was the fourth official.” which prompted journalists to ask: “The Italian one?” referring to Orsato, to which Ancelotti replied: “Yes, yes.”