AC Milan director Paolo Maldini insists they're worthy Scudetto champions.

Maldini and Ricky Massara built a title winning team on a shoestring budget with the club controlled by hedge fund Elliott Management.

“We were stronger, the most consistent, we kept our heads throughout and were more prepared to react to difficulties," explained Maldini.

“If we had tripped up against Atalanta, Fiorentina or Verona, we wouldn't have won the Scudetto."

Many blame Inter's 2-1 defeat to Bologna, for turning the tide of the title race.

But Maldini reasoned: “Don't forget we dropped two points at home to Bologna, so anyone who thinks there are easy games in 2022 will get a nasty surprise."