Viktoria Plzen coach has plan for Milan

Viktoria Plzen coach has plan for Milan

Published Sep. 28, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

AC Milan will aim to build on the draw with Barcelona when Massimiliano Allegri's side host Czech minnow FC Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League.

A 2-2 draw at Camp Nou on Matchday One for last season's Serie A winner has set Milan up nicely in Group H for a campaign in which the Rossoneri is at least expected to reach the knockout stages.

Pavel Vrba's Plzen was also held to a draw in its opening fixture after being forced to settle for a 1-1 share of the points with BATE Borisov.

Vrba will therefore know his side cannot afford to treat the trip to the San Siro as merely a special occasion as the Czech aims to avoid a defeat which could mean Champions League participation is as good as over shortly after it began.

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"I've watched four of Milan's games, against Napoli and Udinese in particular, and I have garnered some ideas and inspiration," said Vrba.

"Naturally, we don't underestimate anyone. This is an important moment in our season."

Milan will be without Gennaro Gattuso due to suspension, while Robinho (toe), Pato (thigh), Kevin-Prince Boateng (hip) and Philippe Mexes (knee) are all unavailable.

Allegri is hopeful Zlatan Ibrahimovic will overcome a thigh injury and Daniele Bonera could feature if he recovers from a bruised rib.

Plzen will be missing goalkeeper Roman Pavlik, who is still recovering after injuring his knee against Rosenborg.

Pavel Horvath, who is his club's most experienced player in Europe, will be making his fourth visit to Italy for a European tie and he has yet to avoid defeat.

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