Holders Milan edge out Ajax

EUROPEAN champions AC Milan began their title defence with a 1-0 Champions League win over Ajax Amsterdam thanks to a 67th minute strike from the in-form Filippo Inzaghi last night.

Italian international Inzaghi drove home a loose ball after Ajax keeper Bogdan Lobont had parried a shot from Andriy Shevchenko to get Milan off to a winning start in Group H.

But Carlo Ancelotti’s side had goalkeeper Dida to thank for a superb save in injury time to keep out a close-range strike from Ajax midfielder Rafael van der Vaart.