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AC Milan's Massimiliano Allegri Warns That His Side Must Be Braced For Tough Champions League Tie With Arsenal
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 5:55:00 PM
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 finished 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 and Allegri believes that that is exactly what has happened.
"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.
After finished 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 and Allegri believes that that is exactly what has happened.
"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.
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