Bonaventura: Out of sorts Arsenal still a tough clash

Cape Town - AC Milan midfielder Giacomo Bonaventura says the Serie A outfit are determined to get past Arsenal in the Europa League but believes it will be tough.

The Rossoneri head into Thursday night's last-16 first-leg clash at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on the back of six consecutive wins, while Arsenal have lost four in a row.

Despite the contrast in form, Bonaventura insists the Gunners are still a tough side to beat and that Milan can't take the game lightly if they intend to progress.

"It’s definitely one of the most beautiful ties I’ve ever played,” Bonaventura said, according to the Evening Standard.

"It’s a fascinating game and we really want to do well because we want to get through.

"It won’t be easy, Arsenal have great players and even if they’re not going through a great period of form they have strong players. But we believe, and we also have a chance to get through.

"It’s hard to single out one of their players in particular. There’s no fear, only respect. Arsenal are a team with a great history and we know we can’t get it wrong."

Kick-off is at 22:05.