Demetrio Albertini backs Atletico Madrid to beat AC Milan

Former Atletico Madrid and AC Milan midfielder Demetrio Albertini believes that the Spanish side will advance from the last-16 Champions League tie between the two sides.

However, Albertini, who represented Milan between 1988 and 2002 before moving to Atletico for one season, has claimed that the Italian outfit's European pedigree will help them.

"Atletico have been modernised and the team are fighting with the best. They have won the Europa League and the Supercopa," Albertini told AS.

"Yes, Atletico has an advantage, they are favourite, for their place in La Liga, but do not forget one thing: the Champions League is Milan's home. They have seven European Cups, the history is there.

"Atletico are having an impressive season, maintaining the pace with Madrid and Barcelona and playing with a lot of determination. They are very dangerous because they have the confidence of a winning team."

Albertini also made 79 appearances for Italy during a successful career.