Baresi happy to avoid Juventus in UCL after Milan ‘made life difficult for ourselves’

Franco Baresi has admitted that AC Milan feel some regret at even being in the Champions League play-off round, but they are happy to avoid Juventus.

Going into the final game of the first phase on Wednesday, Milan had a quite simple task: beat Dinamo Zagreb to secure direct passage to the last 16 without having to go through a play-off to qualify.

However, disaster struck as they lost 2-1 in the Croatian capital, thus meaning they must now face off against Feyenoord over two legs next month. If they were to get through, Inter or Arsenal await the Rossoneri in the next round, so they have made it a tough path.

After the draw took place this afternoon, Milan’s honorary vice president Franco Baresi spoke to Sky to comment on the two-legged tie that awaits against Feyenoord but also on Sunday’s derby. MilanNews relayed his comments.

Milan have avoided Juventus, so it will be Feyenoord…

“Yes, better this way, better to avoid the Italian clash. However, we throw ourselves back into the Champions League with great respect also towards Feyenoord, because we know that in these competitions you should never underestimate anyone.”