AC Milan next up for Tottenham

AC Milan next up for Tottenham

Published Dec. 17, 2010 10:31 p.m. ET

Tottenham face a tough test against AC Milan in their first experience of the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Harry Redknapp's men were the top scorers in the group stage and won't be too fazed by a visit to the San Siro in the last 16 having narrowly lost 4-3 to Inter Milan earlier in their campaign following a hat-trick from Gareth Bale.

Spurs went on to beat the holders 3-1 at White Hart Lane and manager Harry Redknapp was quietly confident about facing AC Milan.

Redknapp said: "It will be a great game. I would have taken AC Milan before the draw. They are leading the league in Italy but it has the makings of a great game over two legs. I'm looking forward to it."

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Asked if the experience of the San Siro was an advantage he replied: "No. They are different players. It would be a fantastic occasion. It is not the worst draw for me. A tough draw but it will be a great game. That's what you want. Great games."

He insisted his side, who have 10 matches domestically before Europe resumes, would be concentrating on the Premier League.

"It's a way off," added Redknapp. "We can put it to one side and concentrate on the league for now.

"It's fantastic for us to be involved in the Champions League. Our first dream was to get into it. To make the group stage was great.

"Then to win the group in possibly the hardest group of all was fantastic."

Milan are currently six points clear at the top of Serie A and with plenty of Champions League experience in their ranks.

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri claimed that Spurs were "in theory" one of the easier draws for the Italians.

Allegri told www.acmilan.com: "Tottenham is probably a very good team but among the possible rivals we could have faced, they are in theory one of the less difficult sides.

"But all the sides that have made it to the knockout round are nevertheless strong teams."

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