Marcello Lippi maintains that if Pavel Nedved hadn’t been suspended, then Juventus ‘would’ve won’ the 2003 Champions League Final against Milan.
The Czech Republic midfielder was ruled out of the Final after a late yellow card in the semi-final victory over Real Madrid.
That was only his second card of the competition, and the incident was part of the reason why the rules were later changed to wipe out bookings after the group stages in major tournaments.
It ended 0-0 on the night, Milan prevailing in a penalty shoot-out at Old Trafford.
“In 2003 we massacred Spanish football with Juve, we beat Real Madrid,” said Lippi at the Festival dello Sport event.
“I am convinced that if Nedved had been there for Milan-Juventus, then we would’ve won the Champions League.
“So if I had to pick a player to bring with me in the most important match of my life, it would be Nedved.”
Nedved’s influence was also recognised elsewhere that year, because despite not featuring in the Champions League Final, he still won the Ballon d’Or trophy for 2003.