Stefano Pioli believes ‘experience helps, especially in Europe’ as Serie A rivals Milan and Roma face off in the Europa League quarter-final.
It kicks off at San Siro at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game, Liverpool-Atalanta and Viktoria Plzen-Fiorentina on the LIVEBLOG.
The Rossoneri have won their last seven competitive matches and dropped down into this tournament from the Champions League.
“We always approached every situation with hard work and a smile,” Pioli told Sky Sport Italia.
“All experience helps, especially in Europe. A few years ago there were many in the squad who were debutants at this level, but now we learned from our experiences – both positive and negative.
“We must try to be the best version of ourselves and recognise we are up against quality opponents.”
Fikayo Tomori is suspended with Pierre Kalulu and Tommaso Pobega injured, so options are limited in defence, but Malick Thiaw returns in place of Simon Kjaer.
“You can sense the European atmosphere this evening and that is also thanks to our fans. We will try to play with energy and quality, knowing this is only the first chapter of 90 minutes, but can show us the way forward.”
The away goals rule no longer applies in European football, so if the teams are level on aggregate, it will go to extra time in Rome.
“Football is made up of situations and moments. When we have the ball, we must try to cause problems for Roma, knowing we have the individual quality to do that.
“We also need to be sharp and focused, above all so we can overcome the difficult moments that will arise in the match.”
The Rossoneri are unbeaten against Roma since October 2019, managing six wins and three draws, without a home defeat since October 2017.