Were AC Milan (2002–2008) the ultimate redemption dynasty — or the last great old-world superteam? Graham and Jamie are joined by Gus Krasonic to go properly old-school on one of the most legend-stacked teams ever assembled. This is the Milan of Maldini, Nesta, Pirlo, Seedorf, Gattuso, Kaká, Shevchenko and Inzaghi — a side built on control, experience, and big-night intelligence, guided by Carlo Ancelotti at his calm, tactical best. We trace the story from Herbert Kilpin’s founding identity (red for fire, black to intimidate), through Berlusconi’s superclub standards, and into the Ancelotti era where the real magic is balance: the diamond, the Christmas Tree, and the positional masterstroke of Pirlo becoming the deep metronome. Then comes the defining scar — Istanbul 2005 — followed by the fog of Calciopoli, and finally the closure chapter: Milan’s 2007 return to the top of Europe, powered by peak Kaká. In this episode, we cover: AC Milan’s origin story and identity — Kilpin, colours, and cultureBerlusconi’s “win like Milan” standards (football only)Ancelotti’s tactical evolution: diamond → Christmas TreePirlo’s reinvention: how a No.10 becomes the game’s conductorIstanbul 2005: the match that becomes a ghostCalciopoli: what it was, how it shaped the context, and what it meant for Milan2007: the revenge arc and why it felt like restoration, not just revengeGreatness Index discussion: peak vs longevity for the key iconsTakeawaysWhy this Milan side could dominate without needing chaos footballHow Ancelotti built an “orchestra team” of roles, not just starsWhy Pirlo’s deep role changed the language of midfield playHow Istanbul and Calciopoli frame the 2007 triumphWhere this team sits in the pantheon of modern European greatsIf you enjoyed the episode, follow the show, leave a rating, and share it with a mate — it genuinely helps us grow. Listen to By Far The Greatest Team: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7erZQ9qQEsa2Xq8Rg843Gv Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/by-far-the-greatest-team-football-podcast/id1678832405 #ACMilan #CarloAncelotti #Kaka #Pirlo #Istanbul2005 #Calciopoli #ChampionsLeagueHistory #FootballHistoryPodcastIf you enjoy these podcasts, please don't forget to subscribe and give us a rating and also tell everyone about them!

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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