Ambrosini ready to stand tall

As AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti prepares to name his team to face Celtic FC in the return leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie at San Siro on Wednesday, he will be conscious of the threat the visitors pose in the air. This might just lead him to reinforce his side by fielding the towering Massimo Ambrosini.

Care taken
The Rossoneri are slight favourites after the goalless draw in Glasgow a fortnight ago, and the 29-year-old midfielder is ready to help out against the Scottish champions. "We must ensure we control the match by keeping possession, but we must also be aware of the smallest details such as not giving the ball away in dangerous places or losing our markers on set-pieces," Ambrosini said.

Cautious Celtic
The Italian international believes Celtic will have more or less the same approach as in the first leg. "In Glasgow we had the match in our hands on the whole," he said. "Celtic are likely to play the same way, on the counterattack, and will be dangerous at set-pieces. We are starting as favourites, but we know we cannot afford to make any mistakes and must make the best of the chances we create."

Balance
The inclusion of Ambrosini could mean Ancelotti fielding a 4-4-1-1 formation with Kaká supporting a lone striker and a solid midfield. "The balance of the team is what counts most, it is the basis of success," Ambrosini explained. "It's not about the formation or the tactics we use. The side must be balanced and have a positive attitude. This is what we want to do in theory, but now we have to do it in practice."

Physical challenge
Celtic have lost eleven of their last 12 away games in the UEFA Champions League, including the last three in the group stage, but Ambrosini does not consider this an advantage. "We cannot think about that," he said. "We know we are at home and we are confident of winning, but we also know that you don't get second chances in the Champions League. It will be a physical match because that is characteristic of this Celtic team, but we have to attack ourselves because we are at home and want to please our fans."

Experience
Ambrosini, a Milan player since 1995, does not just use his 1.82m frame in defensive situations. He has a habit of scoring crucial goals in latter stages of games, such as the 2005 UEFA Champions League semi-final against PSV Eindhoven, or the recent Serie A victory against UC Sampdoria. And he is prepared to go all out for a win on Wednesday. "We must take advantage of our experience in the competition," he said. "We need to be motivated, strong and aggressive."