Gattuso wanted Madrid final

The hard tackling star says he would have preferred to be facing the reigning European champions Real to exploit their defensive frailties.

"Probably I'd have preferred meeting Real, because their defensive problems are well known," declared Gattuso. "It's useless hiding that Juventus are a team that inspire fear.

"They are a close group, they never give up and they don't believe the result is final until the full 90 minutes are up.

"In Serie A they have been devastating and they have won the Scudetto for a second consecutive time.

"I fear their temperament, their mentality. But we too, we can count on our class and our entry into football history.

"We want the cup. I don't believe that Milan are not favourites. I hope I see a photo of me with the cup in my hands. I believe in this."

After the bashing Italian football has taken in recent years for their below-par performances in European competitions as well as the national team's early exit from last year's World Cup in the Far East, Gattuso was in particular bullish mood to defend Italian football.

"The reality is that those who criticise are just jealous," said Gattuso.

"They attack us even though we had three teams in the Champions League semi-final and now have two in the final.

"I think those who criticise are better off looking closer to home."