Franco Baresi is confident Sandro Tonali will ‘receive the welcome he deserves’ with Newcastle United, but Milan ‘know we can beat’ the Magpies, PSG and Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.
The Rossoneri could not have asked for a tougher draw, as they have been paired with Paris Saint-Germain, Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund.
“We knew that from Pot 3 it would be unlikely to go well, and it could’ve gone better certainly. It is a competitive group and it is exciting to face these teams,” legendary defender Baresi told Sky Sport Italia.
“We must remember that Milan are Milan, we must always be ambitious, show that we believe in ourselves and know that we can beat these opponents.
“Milan are what they were, what they are and what they will be. Let us also not forget all we’ve achieved in the last two years, so Milan know it is a strong group, but with all due respect, we doubt the others are happy to be facing Milan either.”
It is going to be an emotional occasion for Newcastle United midfielder Tonali, who was heartbroken to be forced to leave his beloved Rossoneri, the club he had supported since childhood.
He was only sold over the summer for a club record €80m including bonuses and will immediately be back on his old stomping ground.
“I think it is sad to face him so soon, but Sandro will receive the welcome he deserves,” assures Baresi.
“He left so recently, was loved by all the fans and his teammates, so he will get the greeting that he so richly deserves at San Siro.”
The same cannot be said of Gianluigi Donnarumma, who walked away as a free agent for Paris Saint-Germain and has been vilified by the Milan supporters.
He is bound to receive an extraordinarily hostile reception at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.