It's May 27, 2024, 09:06:25 PM
AC Milan skipper Paolo Maldini says he is looking forward to once again sampling the white-hot atmosphere of a Champions League game at Celtic Park. Milan had to settle for a goalless draw in Glasgow two years ago, but Maldini, 38, does not fear playing in front of 60,000 passionate Hoops fans. "It's one of the nicest places to play," he said ahead of his 100th Champions League game. "I played here two years ago and the intensity of the crowd was amazing." Maldini added: "Obviously it's a big honour for me. "But I used to play in the competition when it was not called the Champions League and I feel I have made more than 100 appearances." Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti said his side were aware of the threat posed by Gordon Strachan's side, but said his players were looking to win the first leg. "Celtic are very difficult to play away, they are very strong and they also have the support from the public," he said. "It will be an extremely difficult game, but we believe we have a good chance of going through. "I think every team in Europe is having difficulties, but Celtic are playing very well. They are a very competitive team. "We always play to win, but it will depend on the performance." Ancelotti, who has won Europe's elite prize as a player and manager with Milan, dismissed fears a shortage of strikers would hamper their goal threat. Gilardino is struggling with a knee problem, while the injured Inzaghi and the cup-tied Ronaldo are ruled out. Ancelotti said: "In football even defenders can score goals. In the past goalkeepers have scored. We are confident we can attempt to score." Ancelotti picked out one-time Reggina midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura as Celtic's main threat. "One of the best players is Nakamura," he said. "He did very well in Italy and he will be very dangerous, especially at free-kicks."
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