Soccer-Ancelotti sweats as Milan complete catharsis

By Alastair Himmer

YOKOHAMA, Japan, Dec 17 (Reuters) - AC Milan's successful quest to win the Club World Cup completed a remarkable catharsis for the Rossoneri after a rollercoaster 18 months.

Their 4-2 thrashing of Boca Juniors in Sunday's final in Yokohama snapped Europe's jinx in the new-look competition as Ballon d'Or winner Kaka ran riot.

However, the comprehensive manner of Milan's win may not be enough to save coach Carlo Ancelotti's job, with Jose Mourinho being linked with the post.

Ancelotti has dealt with questions about Mourinho and his side's poor form in Italy's Serie A with impressive dignity since arriving in Japan.

But he struggled to contain his emotions following Milan's stylish victory over the Argentine giants in front of 68,000 fans.

"I'm a very proud man," said Ancelotti, his eyes glazing as he recalled the darkness from which the club has emerged since being implicated in Italy's match-fixing scandal in 2006.

"It's been such a long and difficult road. I'm happy and proud that we have been able to overcome every obstacle along the way and achieve this success in Japan."

Milan began the 2006-07 season with an eight-point penalty but their initial ban from the Champions League was overturned on appeal and they went on to win the competition.