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Home  » Sports » Milan won't be defensive: Ancelotti

Milan won't be defensive: Ancelotti

By Simon Evans
April 18, 2006 15:10 IST
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AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti says he expects Tuesday's Champions League semi-final, first-leg against Barcelona to be a real battle and promises his side will not worry about conceding a goal.

Last time the two clubs met at the San Siro, in October 2004, Milan won 1-0 in a group stage game. While Ancelotti would settle for such a result again, he says there will be no calculating approach from the Italian side.

"A 1-0 win is a good result given that you don't concede an 'away goal' to them but the really important thing is to win," said the Milan coach.

"Our worry is not about conceding a goal -- the more important thing is about the approach to the game and having the courage to impose yourself -- that is vital for both sides."

Ronaldinho presents the biggest threat to Milan's 13-match Champions League unbeaten home record but Ancelotti says he will not place a man-marker on the Brazilian.

"We have never gone man-to-man but he'll be controlled though -- at least I hope so," Ancelotti said.

Barcelona captain Carles Puyol believes the Spanish side's approach will mirror Ancelotti's mentality.

"There are few teams that play the way we do with the defence pushed up, controlling possession of the ball, and working hard to win the ball even in the opposition half," he said.

"We are aggressive yet humble. We always go out to win. It is better to take risks playing good football than to keep things tight waiting for the right moment."

Milan will be without striker Filippo Inzaghi, who has a high temperature. Alberto Gilardino is expected to partner Ukrainian Andriy Shevchenko in attack.

(Additional reporting by Mark Elkington in Madrid)

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Simon Evans
Source: REUTERS
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