18 December,2010 11:31 AM IST | | Agencies
AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri admitted he was happy with Friday's Champions League last 16 draw, pairing the Italian giants with Tottenham.
It means Harry Redknapp's team face a quick return to the north of Italy having already played Inter Milan in the group stages.
But for Milan it also meant they avoided the likes of Barcelona, Manchester United, Chelsea and Bayern Munich.
"They're an excellent team but given who we could have taken, they were one of the less tough teams in the draw," said Allegri.
"I'm happy with the draw, we'll go to London and it's always fun to play against the English.
"They're an excellent team, very strong up front but, looking at the numbers, they also concede a lot in defence."
Beforehand Milan are looking to protect their six-point lead at the top of Serie A before Italy shuts down for its winter break.
The rossoneri face Roma at the San Siro on Saturday night knowing a win will guarantee them at least a six-point advantage to take into the New Year.
But it is also an important game for Roma who sit 10 points off the pace in sixth and need to win to drag themselves back into the championship contention.
"It's imperative that tomorrow we have the right motivation because the giallorossi will be coming here to win and re-open the title race," added Allegri.
"The games before Christmas are dangerous because you can get careless."
Milan will be boosted by the return of Gennaro Gattuso to fitness but with Thiago Silva out, Allegri must decide whether to replace him with Daniele Bonera or Mario Yepes.
Allegri has previously said he feels well covered in defece but has not ruled out the possibility of bringing in a striker when the transfer window reopens in January.
And with Italy forward Antonio Cassano's rupture with Sampdoria terminal, speculation has been growing that he will join Milan while Ronaldinho is rumoured to be on his way out.
But Allegri was coy when pressed on these matters.
"Up until now the group we have has taken us to the top of the league and the last 16 of the Champions League and now it's right to talk about them," he said.
"If we bring in someone else he would have to integrate in the best way possible with this group and also bring his qualities.
"There's no sense in even speaking about (Cassano), the priority is tomorrow's (Saturday) game.
"He's a top player but I haven't just discovered that today. And I prefer not to talk about that because I spoke with (vice-president Adriano) Galliani this morning and the question (of Cassano's availability) is not yet definite.
"We'll talk about the transfer window in January when we come back from (a winter training camp in) Dubai."
However, Allegri hardly gave Ronaldinho much hope of remaining with the club long term.
The Brazilian started the season in the team but has lost his place over the last month or two as Allegri prefers a two-man forward line with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robinho, with Ghana midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng behind them in the three-quarter role.
"I'm not going to make predictions (with regards Ronaldinho). We're talking about Roma and Ronaldinho will be in the squad.
"I think he'll stay at Milan until June."
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