Milan must respect Europa opponents—Montella

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Vincenzo Montella is confident of AC Milan’s Europa League chances after the group stage draw, but insists his team must respect their opponents.

Milan were placed into Group D alongside Austria Vienna, Rijeka and AEK Athens on Friday, having thrashed Shkendija 7-0 on aggregate in their play-off round clash.

While Montella believes his side’s fate is in their own hands, he identified each upcoming opponent as a potentially tricky test.

“Our team has opponents to be respected, who shouldn’t be underestimated,” he said.

“AEK Athens were our opponents in the Champions League in 1994-95 and 2006-07 – the precedents are in our favour but it won’t be easy to beat them because they have a lot of players who know our league.

“Austria Vienna are a historic club with a very astute coach [Thorsten Fink]. The Croatians, Rijeka, fell just short of reaching the Champions League.

“In the end, it’ll all be in our hands. I’m confident.”