Antonio Conte expects Milan to set out in the same 3-4-3 system as Tottenham Hotspur, but insists ‘the spirit and the way you play’ this formation are also crucial.
The Champions League Round of 16 tie kicks off at 20.00 GMT.
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The second leg will be in London on March 8.
“We had important injuries in the last week, big losses for us, but this is the reality and we have to face the situation in the best possible way. We try to show character, to show the right spirit. In this situation either you start to complain and cry or otherwise you become stronger and face it in the best possible way,” Conte told BT Sport.
With former Juventus man Rodrigo Bentancur out for the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, 22-year-old Oliver Skipp and 20-year-old Pape Matar Sarr are the only real alternatives in midfield.
“It’s a big night for both players, they are young players, but real good prospects. That is our policy, to try to match important players with young players. I think we trust them a lot and they feel that we trust them a lot, our expectations are to see a good performance.
“It is good to have them overcome the emotion.”
Conte was asked about Stefano Pioli switching to three at the back in recent weeks for Milan, partly inspired by the prospect of this Champions League tie.
“Recently they changed and started to play with three central defenders, but it is the same system as us, 3-4-3. I am not surprised, the system is important, but also important is the spirit and the way you play this system.”