|
|
‘Arsenal have everything to go all the way in the Champions League’ – AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri
The Italian champions are in good domestic form but their coach feels that they will have their work cut out in trying to eliminate the Gunners when the two clubs clash
16 Dec 2011 13:28:00
By Mark Doyle
Getty Images
AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri believes that his side will have to be at their best if they are to overcome Arsenal in the last 16 of the Champions League.
After finishing second in Group H to Barcelona, the Rossoneri were, as an unseeded team in Friday’s draw in Nyon, always in danger of being given a tough assignment.
Allegri has since conceded that the Serie A holders face a difficult task when they meet Arsenal in February, insisting that Arsene Wenger's side have the quality to go far in the competition.
"Arsenal are difficult opponents, a team that has everything to go all the way in the Champions League,” the Milan boss told Premium Calcio.
"In February we will have to be ready, Arsenal is a team at our level.”
Milan’s organising director Umberto Gandini is looking forward to the games and is hoping that the Italian champions can settle a few scores.
“For the quality and appeal of the two clubs, it’s a fantastic tie,” he enthused. “We need to break a bad tradition with Arsenal.
"Remember, we got knocked out by losing 2-0 in San Siro [in the last 16 in 2008], and in general with English clubs because we got knocked out by Tottenham last year.
“So we are coming back to London, it’s an exciting fixture, and we’re very determined to go through.”
Milan will host the Gunners at San Siro in the first leg in February before then travelling to the Emirates for the return fixture the following month.
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
After finishing second in Group H to Barcelona, the Rossoneri were, as an unseeded team in Friday’s draw in Nyon, always in danger of being given a tough assignment.
Allegri has since conceded that the Serie A holders face a difficult task when they meet Arsenal in February, insisting that Arsene Wenger's side have the quality to go far in the competition.
"Arsenal are difficult opponents, a team that has everything to go all the way in the Champions League,” the Milan boss told Premium Calcio.
"In February we will have to be ready, Arsenal is a team at our level.”
Milan’s organising director Umberto Gandini is looking forward to the games and is hoping that the Italian champions can settle a few scores.
“For the quality and appeal of the two clubs, it’s a fantastic tie,” he enthused. “We need to break a bad tradition with Arsenal.
"Remember, we got knocked out by losing 2-0 in San Siro [in the last 16 in 2008], and in general with English clubs because we got knocked out by Tottenham last year.
“So we are coming back to London, it’s an exciting fixture, and we’re very determined to go through.”
Milan will host the Gunners at San Siro in the first leg in February before then travelling to the Emirates for the return fixture the following month.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Inside Goal.Com
-
Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line
England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012
-
In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012
The European Championship is just around the corner and Goal.com distinguishes between the trendy and the passe at the prestigious tournament
-
The five players Rodgers could sign to kick-start revolution
The new Reds boss was unveiled to the press on Friday and must immediately begin work on revitalising a thin squad with some additions in the transfer market
-
Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job
The Scot officially left Norwich City on Saturday to become the second new boss in June, following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool on Friday
-
Rodgers ushers in new Anfield era on his own terms
The Northern Irishman inevitably expressed his delight at landing the Reds job but evidenced plenty of the steely resolve which could see him become a success at Anfield
