Franco Baresi has told Sky Sports Italy – as per Football Italia – that AC Milan are ready to surprise in the Champions League again after drawing Tottenham, but is wary that Spurs are managed by a Serie A expert in Antonio Conte.
A draw that is neither good or bad for Spurs. Milan are a top side and are currently placed second in Serie A. Certainly, they are more on an upward curve than one going downwards, like that of Juventus and bitter rivals Inter Milan.
Having finished second in their group behind Chelsea, Milan now take on Tottenham in the last 16. It sees Conte take on the enemies of the club he used to manage. Spurs could have got tougher teams, but also a much easier draw.
They avoided PSG, Conte’s old side Inter and Borussia Dortmund – but they have got themselves a really tough clash. Italian legend and Milan’s honorary vice-president Baresi gave his verdict – suggesting Milan are underdogs.
“We’ll prepare at our best, our target was to get to the last 16. W we are ready to surprise again. The team is ready to go far. Tottenham are a strong team, Conte knows Italian football, Serie A. We must be ambitious, must be optimistic.”
Baresi: Milan ready to surprise after drawing Tottenham in CL last 16
It is not easy to simply suggest that Tottenham are favourites. Spurs may have a slightly stronger squad, and a slightly stronger manager. But Milan are performing well in Serie A – boasting 29 points from 13 games. They are a good side.
In good form. Olivier Giroud, Rafael Leao, Theo Hernandez, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. A really good, well-balanced squad. But as Baresi alludes to, the difference might just be Conte. He knows Milan, he knows Serie A. He can be the difference.
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