RINO Gattuso has fired the first salvo in a Champions League Final war of words.

AC Milan's fiery midfielder has dismissed Liverpool, their opponents in Athens on May 23, as "long ball dinosaurs".

Gattuso, 29, who played in Milan's 2005 final defeat to the Reds in Istanbul - when Liverpool came from 3-0 down at half-time to win on penalties - believes Man United are a better team.

The ex-Ranger and his team-mates saw off United this week to set up the repeat, and he accused Liverpool of using outdated tactics.

He said: "I feel there is a noticeable difference in talent between Manchester United and Liverpool and that we have beaten the better side of the two.

"United have far more technical players, who are quick and able to do things on the ball.

Liverpool do not have those individuals.

"What they have is a way of playing as a team. They are like an Italian team of 10 years ago.

"All they try to do is defend together, with everybody behind the ball and just one striker. Every ball is a long ball."

And Gattuso set his sights on revenge for 2005, when he said: "This final will be different - that I promise. It is important to put the record straight.

"No one gave Milan a chance after the start we made to the season, but we have proved everyone wrong."