The 33-year-old striker got the nod ahead of Alberto Gilardino to spearhead Milan's attack, and the reliable veteran didn't let the side down, steering the Italian giants to their seventh European crown with a precious double.

Inzaghi, nicknamed SuperPippo, was ruled out of the 2005 Champions League final due to injury, and he watched in horror from the stands as Milan were beaten by Liverpool on penalties.

This season Inzaghi's appearances have been limited by more injury problems, but his full recovery several months ago was music to the ears of coach Ancelotti.

Inzaghi, who is nine years older than Gilardino, never stopped believing that he would play an important part in Milan's season, which began with a two-legged third round qualifier to reach the Champions League back in August.

"I am an optimist and always believe in myself," said the former Italy international who helped Milan to victory in the 2003 Champions League final.

"Obviously this night is deeply rewarding for me, and the most important thing was that we won the cup.

"I've had my injury problems this season, but nobody doubted I would come back. There is a lot of trust in me at this club."

Milan's first goal seconds before half time went down as Inzaghi's, but he must have known little about it -- Andrea Pirlo's free-kick hitting him on the shoulder and completely wrongfooting Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina.

His second goal eight minutes from time was typical Inzaghi, springing Liverpool's offside trap with a superbly-timed run to collect Kaka's pass before rounding Reina and slotting home.

Dirk Kuyt pulled one back for Liverpool a minute from time with a close range header, but Milan held on to lift the trophy.

Inzaghi insisted his first goal wasn't down to good fortune. "It's something we've worked on in training and every now and again it's been successful," he said, tongue firmly in cheek.

Milan owner Sivio Berlusconi insisted he knew Inzaghi would find the target.

"I told Inzaghi before the match that he was guaranteed to score," said the former Italian prime minister.

Inzaghi, whose brace took his career tally in the Champions League to 38 goals, said he was looking forward to the summer break after a long season.

"Don't forget we were on the pitch on August 9 for the preliminary round," he said.

"I will take a well-earned rest over the summer, as I didn't have any real holiday this year. It will be a very enjoyable time."

Many questioned whether Milan should even be allowed in the competition due their involvement in the Italian match-fixing scandal, but AC Milan president Adriano Galliani insisted they were worthy of their place.

"It's an immense joy after everything this club has been through this season," he said.

"We deserve this for all the effort everybody has put in."