Bad news in Europe for AC Milan - and tough times athome (News Feature)

By Alberto Cagliano Feb 16, 2011, 12:42 GMT

Rome - AC Milan's 1-0 defeat at home against Tottenham Hotspur in a first leg Champions League round of 16 match is a further set back for the Serie A side.

Coach Massimiliano Allegri promised that on the return in London, with qualification to the quarter finals at stake, 'we will play a different game.

'Everything is still open. We must get onto the pitch with great self-command.'

At the rain-soaked Giuseppe Meazza, the Devils displayed little self-command, and even less self-control when captain Gennaro Gattuso headbutted Joe Jordan, an assistant to coach Harry Redknapp and former Milan striker in the 1980s, at the end of the game.

The Daily Mail wrote about 'the mafiosi of Milan' and former star referee Graham Poll called Gattuso 'a pest and a pain,' adding, however, that he has 'also known him to be a charming man and a good professional.'

Frenchman Mathieu Flamini also cut a poor figure when he rudely fouled Vedran Corluka, who had to be carried off as Flamini got away with one of the three yellow cards waved at Milan players - Tottenham received none.

Gattuso is out for the return having got his third in the tournament, but expects a heavy suspension for his tantrum - despite his later apologies.

'Milan lost in the rain,' Milan daily Il Corriere della Sera headlined Wednesday, while la Repubblica wrote about a 'bitter Europe,' inviting the Devils to switch their focus to the Serie A season.

Before they try to escape a third straight elimination at the round of 16, the Serie A leaders have plenty of chances to test their ambitions.

Chievo, not a tender side on home turf, await them Sunday, with crucial ties following against Napoli, in-form and trailing three points adrift, and Juventus, who lately clinched a good 1-0 win over champions Inter Milan.

As the season heats up at home and in Europe - and with midfielders Andrea Pirlo and Massimo Ambrosini out for a long time - the Devils need to count on grit and international experience.

The indomitable Gattuso will root from the stands in London, but sounded convinced that 'Tottenham are not stronger than us. Therefore we can make it.'

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