AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti was strangely relaxed ahead of a match which could make or break his side's season.

After a disappointing season in Serie A which may yet end without a guaranteed berth in the Champions League next year, it is imperative the Rossoneri at least keep alive their chances of reaching the final in Moscow.

But Ancelotti's demeanour on Monday suggested he was preparing his side for little more than a kickabout in the park.

"I am relaxed. I think I have just the right level of tension required for such a game," he said.

"I feel the same before this match as I do before any game and this faith is given to me by the fact that important players are back and they are all well.

"Milan have always had the capacity to prepare these sorts of games."

With the first leg finishing goalless Milan know they cannot afford to concede an away goal much of the responsibility for that will fall on Kakha Kaladze.

"We have the advantage because we are playing at home, at the San Siro in front of our own fans," said the Georgian defender.

"We have always been able to find our form for these games and it won't be an easy one for Arsenal."

According to Ancelotti, there is no real secret to Milan's strength in such big encounters.

"It is just part of our DNA," he claimed.

"Milan play differently in the Champions League compared to the league."

The defending champions have not failed to reach the quarter-finals in any of the last six years but Ancelotti is concerned about his side's fitness.

Kaka, Alessandro Pirlo and Alessandro Nesta have all missed recent matches, although all have timed their recoveries remarkably well to be back for Tuesday night's match.

"We have had more problems than I expected this year," admitted Ancelotti.

"You have also got to consider that we played a big game in Tokyo (Club World Cup) and that has taken a lot of energy from us.

"Milan has paid for not having these players available and the fact that we now have all of the players back, in particular Kaka, makes me think we will play a great game.

"We will have to be patient and play an intelligent game without rushing, but it is no coincidence that this team has always found the right attitude at home."

And it will be up to the elder members of his squad to transmit that attitude to 18-year-old Pato, who will be playing his biggest game since being eligible to play from January.

Not that Ancelotti feels Serie A's latest revelation needs much of a helping hand.

"Pato is a very young lad, but he has shown a lot of maturity and personality," he added.

"Only time will tell what becomes of him, but he has extraordinary qualities and our expectations are high.

"He is not one to shirk the responsibility."

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