AC Milan look a 'sick' team that has lost confidence ahead of Tottenham Champions League clash - Inside Europe

The Champions League returns this week with several eye-catching matches across the round of 16.

On Tuesday evening, San Siro, a stadium steeped in European football history, will see Tottenham as visitors to take on seven-time European champions AC Milan.

However, the Milan side that awaits is not quite the vintage of the likes of Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit, Clarence Seedorf, Paolo Maldini or Filippo Inzaghi.

In fact, despite winning Serie A last season - a first title in 11 years – the Rossoneri are on a horrific run of form coming into the game.

A 1-0 win over Torino in their last Serie A outing was just their second victory in nine games in all competitions, a run that has included derby defeats to city rivals Inter and thrashings at the hands of Lazio and Sassuolo respectively.

Exactly what shape is the team in ahead of the first leg clash with Spurs? Olivier Giroud’s second half header against the Turin side was enough for a first win since January 4 but the recent shock 5-2 loss to Sassuolo and a 4-0 hammering against Lazio still weigh heavily on the minds of all connected with the club.

A 1-0 derby defeat in the league followed a 3-0 Supercoppa loss two weeks earlier suggests the Torino result might be an exception rather than the start of a revival?

"The win against Torino was certainly important, but it didn't solve all the problems,” said Eurosport Italy’s Simone Pace. “It's too early to talk about revival. Milan is still a sick team that needs time and results.”

The dip in form sees Milan down in fifth place in Serie A – they would be lower if not for Juventus’ recent points deduction – 18 points behind runaway leaders Napoli.

While the rest of the league is also barely visible in the Neapolitans’ rear-view mirror right now, last year’s defending champions Milan might have expected to be closer given the euphoria and expectation that naturally followed the end of their title drought.

"Several players, such as Rafael Leao, Theo Hernandez, Sandro Tonali are not in the best of form,” added Pace. “The team has lost confidence, is slow and has a predictable way of playing.

“Last year Milan won the Scudetto thanks to the strength of the group: that team and that spirit seems to have suddenly disappeared.

“Finally, there is no impact - or minimal impact - from new players such as Charles De Ketelaere, Divock Origi, Yacine Adli, Aster Vranckx, Malick Thiaw, Sergino Dest.”

He added: “In my opinion the main problem is the defensive structure. Compared to last season, Milan have lost a very important player like Franck Kessié and haven't replaced him.

“Furthermore, goalkeeper Mike Maignan has been missing for months and it is a very big absence. Scoring against Milan has become really too easy."

Manager Stefano Pioli was rightly credited with restoring pride at the club after years in relative wilderness, with his crowning glory of course arriving with the Scudetto win. Now perhaps, he has an even tougher task in arresting a slump and convincing people that title win was not simply a one-off.

With the domestic campaign in turmoil, it seems as though a strong showing in Europe is imperative as they try and salvage something from the campaign.

"Winning Scudetto again is almost impossible,” declared Pace. “Coppa Italia is gone, Supercoppa too. Winning a place in the Champions League for 2023-24 is the only goal left.

"Milan have a huge opportunity against Tottenham to leave the crisis behind, but I think they will have to focus on heart, humility and nerves rather than quality.

“Last year we saw a Milan who mastered the field, not this year: and when the lights suddenly go out, it's hard to turn them back on."

Milan face Tottenham, who themselves are enduring many problems of their own, and come face to face with Antonio Conte, a man they are very familiar with from his Inter and Juventus days.

Despite their issues, Milan will be hoping to do themselves justice against the Premier League side and the prospect of getting one over on Conte may provide the motivation needed.

"Respect, but no fear,” says Pace. “In a difficult moment like this, perhaps it is better for Milan to face a strong team like Tottenham in a sold-out San Siro.

“Facing a top manager like Conte gives great motivation to everyone, players, to Pioli and to fans. I think they will do everything possible to try to win and to give the fans a special night."