What: Champions League (Round of 16)
Who: AC Milan vs Tottenham Hotspur
When: Tuesday 15th February, 2011, at 19:45 UK time
Where: San Siro, Milan, Italy

Returning to relevance?

AC Milan’s relationship with the Champions League – a tournament they have dominated over the years – has been rocky since lifting the trophy in 2007. And becoming an afterthought in European football has not gone down well with players or supporters.

But there has been major improvement in Serie A this season, with Massimiliano Allegri’s men top of the table and riding a 10-match unbeaten run. A crushing 4-0 win over Parma at the weekend was a boost for the Rossoneri after successive draws and their injury woes have eased somewhat. Allegri has managed to get the best from the likes of Robinho, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and new face Antonio Cassano.

And the Milan boss is confident heading into Tuesday’s showdown, saying: “Tottenham are an excellent team, but of all the opponents we could have had, they are not as tough.”
However, beating Tottenham and conquering Europe is another level up. But if the Italians are to reclaim their position as Champions League kings, this is the first step.

San Siro: Take 2

If Harry Redknapp needed any convincing about the glamour of the Champions League, a second trip to the San Siro in four months should seal the deal. Tottenham turned heads in the group stage by pipping Inter Milan to top spot, beating the Italians in North London and coming close to a stunning comeback against the Nerazzurri in Milan in October. Gareth Bale’s hat-trick was not enough as ten-man Tottenham lost 4-3 – but that night was a major learning curve.

Domestically, Redknapp’s men have proved last year was no fluke and they remain in the hunt for a top four finish in the Premier League, winning their last three games. League form has been the springboard for making their mark among Europe’s elite this season and Spurs will arrive in Italy in a buoyant mood.

Tottenham will not be overawed by the occasion – if anything, it will inspire them. “European nights are something special,” says striker Peter Crouch. “We don’t have anything to fear. We’re going to Milan to play the way we always play and get the win.”

 

Recent form

AC Milan:
AC Milan 0-0 Lazio (01/02; Serie A)
Genoa 1-1 AC Milan (06/02; Serie A)
AC Milan 4-0 Parma (12/02; Serie A)

Tottenham Hotspur:
Blackburn 0-1 Tottenham Hotspur (02/02; Premier League)
Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Bolton (05/02; Premier League)
Sunderland 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur (12/02; Premier League)

Key absences

AC Milan: Andrea Pirlo, Gianluca Zambrotta

Tottenham Hotspur: Gareth Bale (doubt), Luka Modric (doubt), Tom Huddlestone, Ledley King

Players to watch

AC Milan – Zlatan Ibrahimovic: The Swede’s revival in Milan has been impressive and he presents the biggest threat to a Spurs back four that has looked fragile at times this season. Ibrahimovic’s deft touch and clever movement will require tight man marking – and he knows his way around this competition. Veteran Clarence Seedorf too continues to roll back the years and is a proven goalscorer from midfield.

Tottenham Hotspur – Aaron Lennon: With Gareth Bale a doubt to start in Milan, Aaron Lennon will have a huge role to play on the right flank. His pace and dribbling will be vital as Spurs look to play on the counter attack and exploit the open space left by the Milan full-backs. He could be the key to a Tottenham away goal. Michael Dawson’s leadership of the back four will also be pivotal, given the talent of Ibrahimovic, Robinho and the rest of the Italians’ attack.


Match Prediction

Tottenham have matured considerably since their last visit to Milan, but the Serie A leaders have plenty more experience at this level. Milan will also receive a boost if Bale fails to regain fitness in time. Two talented sides could cancel each other out in a score draw at the San Siro, setting the stage for a gripping second leg at White Hart Lane.

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