Berlusconi: AC Milan was written off too soon

Silvio Berlusconi has hit out at critics of AC Milan's early-season form following his side's shock 2-0 victory over Barcelona.

After an exodus of star players last summer and a poor start to the campaign, the Rossoneri have turned a corner in recent weeks, climbing to third in Serie A before comfortably seeing off one of the Champions League favorites in the first leg of their round of 16 tie at the San Siro on Wednesday.

Berlusconi was full of optimism for the remainder of the season following the victory, and he took a swipe at those who dismissed the club's chances of competing with the top clubs back in the autumn.

“Last night, without too much effort, we beat Barcelona – the best team in the world,” Berlusconi told reporters. “Today we are third in the league and can go even further.

“A few weeks after the start of the season this team was given up for dead – some even said we'd struggle to survive. But those people should have perhaps been a little more cautious with their predictions.”

Milan's resurgence can continue in a big way on Sunday, as the Rossoneri face fierce city rival Inter Milan.