Allegri: We won’t be caught out again
The Rossoneri went out at this stage of the competition 12 months ago when a late Peter Crouch strike handed Spurs a 1-0 lead to defend back at White Hart Lane, which they did to progress with a goalless draw.
The Gunners — who recorded a famous 2-0 win on their last visit to the San Siro against the then holders four seasons ago — come into the tie on the back of successive Premier League victories which have lifted them up into the top four again.
Allegri knows tonight’s match up will be another stern test, but will have his Serie A leaders well prepared to combat Arsenal’s flowing game.
“Technically we have to play well and know that there are certain errors [from last season against Tottenham] which ultimately should not be repeated,” the AC Milan manager said.
“Last year we made one mistake late against Tottenham, tomorrow we have to show great patience and be careful.
“In the second match against Tottenham, we deserved to win and go through.”
Allegri warned his men against switching off again. He added: “We must make a lot of attention, especially in defence, but not just for this one game, it must be over 180 minutes.
“We need to have a game of great intensity, and we can’t give them chances to counterattack because that is their strength. Arsenal are playing very well lately and are very dangerous in attack. And one of Arsenal’s best qualities is their speed, especially if they have room enough.
“Robin van Persie and [Thierry] Henry are very dangerous players, so we have to be aware of them, but it is the team of Arsenal as a whole that is the most dangerous.”
Much like the Gunners, Milan have been struggling with injuries lately.
Defenders Alessandro Nesta, Mario Yepes, Brazil forward Pato, one-time Tottenham midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng and former Arsenal utility man Mathieu Flamini have all now returned to training, but are unlikely to start tonight after lengthy spells out.
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