Allegri: Milan must be ready for Arsenal

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri says his side will have to be at their best if they are to beat Arsenal in 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 in the last 16.

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.