Pressure on Milan, hints De Boer

MILAN, Dec 10, 2013 (AFP) - Ajax coach Frank De Boer indicated the pressure will be on AC Milan when the sides clash at the San Siro on Wednesday bidding to join Group H leaders Barcelona in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Dutch giants Ajax, whose last Champions League triumph came in 1995 when they beat Milan in the final, sit third in the group and need a win to snatch second place.

Milan require only a point but the Rossoneri's poor form in Serie A - they sit 22 points behind leaders Juventus -- has led De Boer to believe they will feel most under pressure in the final game of the group.

"This time around it's an important game for them because they are 22 points behind the leaders in Serie A and so it's a completely different situation," said De Boer.

"We've prepared for this match the same way we prepare for them all."

Milan's 3-0 rout of Celtic in Scotland a fortnight ago, when Ajax stunned Barcelona 2-1 in Amsterdam to stay in contention, kept the Italian giants in second place in Group H with a one-point lead on the Dutchmen.

Despite the seven-time European champions needing just a draw and despite Ajax's mediocre away form in the competition - they have not won any of their last six away fixtures - Allegri wants all three points.

"We have to win tomorrow and then from Thursday we'll look to get back on track in the league," said Allegri.

Allegri will be looking to Mario Balotelli to continue his promising run of form, the striker -- who salvaged a 1-1 draw in Amsterdam -- scoring three goals in his last two league games following a two-month drought in Serie A.

But he also hinted that Stephan El Shaarawy, who returned to the fore recently following a long injury lay-off, could be given his chance against the Dutch giants.

"He's in good shape and tomorrow could be his game," said Allegri, who called on each of his players to keep their defensive duties in mind.

"The entire team needs to defend well. We can't concede all the shots on goal that we have in the last two games and we have to improve as a team."

Dutch defender Urby Emanuelson, who spent seven years with Ajax, is in the squad but doubtful due to an injury knock although former Ajax midfielder Nigel De Jong will play.

Brazilian forward Robinho is still sidelined, but Milan are set to welcome back versatile midfielder Sulley Muntari as well as striker Giampaolo Pazzini, who has been out for five months.

De Boer, meanwhile, believes keeping a tight rein on both Balotelli and Brazilian Kaka, who scored his first goal of the group stage in the 3-0 win away to Celtic, will be key.

"Kaka and Mario Balotelli are great players and we have to pay attention to them, but we're also in good shape," added De Boer.

"Milan are playing on home soil and are a top side, but I think we each have a 50 per cent chance of qualifying."

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