AC Milan's Massimiliano Allegri: 'Celtic offer physical test'

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has admitted that his side are fighting for second place in their Champions League group ahead of their opening game against Celtic tomorrow night.

The Rossoneri are up against Barcelona and Ajax alongside the Scottish champions in Group H, with Allegri conceding that his side are unlikely to topple the Catalan giants at the top of the group.

He told reporters at a pre-match press conference: "Barcelona are clearly the strongest team in the group. We'll be looking for more points than Celtic and Ajax.

"We'll obviously try to fight with Barcelona for first place, but it will not be easy. Champions League matches are a lot different than League games. The whole team has grown in terms of Europe and we must continue to do so.

"We struggled last time out against Torino, we played a bad game, but tomorrow will be a lot different. It is our first game against a very physical side who will be difficult to deal with. But with the crowd behind us, there's no reason why we can't do well."

Milan came back from two goals down to draw 2-2 at Torino last weekend, but have won just one of their opening three games in Serie A.