MILAN READY FOR CELTIC TEST

 

Massimiliano Allegri is confident that Milan can use their UEFA Champions League tie with Celtic to put Serie A disappointment behind them.
Milan have only won once in their opening three league fixtures and were fortunate to get a point in their clash with Torino on Sunday.
Allegri's side found themselves 2-0 down with five minutes to play but they were rescued by goals from Sulley Muntari and Mario Balotelli – with Balotelli's penalty coming deep into stoppage time.
The 46-year-old admitted that his side would need to be better when they welcome Celtic on Wednesday as they begin their Champions League group stage campaign.
"We didn't play well on Saturday, actually, we played very badly against a Torino side that caused us a lot of problems," Allegri said.
"Tomorrow will be a different game as they always are in the Champions League. It's a great atmosphere.
"It's a big match as we'll be up against a team that are very physically strong as well as being technically good players, especially in the attacking department.
"They'll be a tough team to face. I think that the players will put in a good performance tomorrow to put the match in Torino behind us.
"We're playing at home as well so we'll have our fans behind us as well just as they were in the match against PSV. There are all the ingredients for a great match and a great performance."
Milan have only won two of their last four European matches at home, but both of those victories came in their last two matches and they will be hoping to make it three-in-a-row against Neil Lennon's side.
Allegri has injury problems ahead of the clash, with Stephan El Shaarawy and Kaka definitely out.
"We actually only have four players with what you can call muscular injuries," he added. "The number of injuries we have reads like a wartime news bulletin but nevertheless, the work done by the medical staff and the physiotherapists has been outstanding.
"(Antonio) Nocerino, (Nigel) De Jong and Muntari will play in the middle with (Alessandro) Matri and Balotelli up front and one of either (Valter) Birsa or Robinho behind.

"El Shaarawy pulled up in training and I'm happy that we have five players who play for the national side and we're happy to send them to do so."