Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is confident his young Gunners will rise to the challenge on Tuesday night when they take on Champions League holders AC Milan at the San Siro.

No English side have beaten the Italian giants on their own ground, with Manchester United thrashed 3-0 here in last season's semi-final.

However, Wenger believes - with the tie delicately poised at 0-0 following the first leg at Emirates Stadium a fortnight ago - Arsenal can get the result needed to make it into the quarter-finals.

"When you are a football player, you are desperate to play games like this," Wenger said.

"The only important thing is you have to know your team has the qualities needed to win - and I am confident my team have the needed qualities to win here.

"We are a young side - the life of this team started two years ago. In that time, we have been to the Bernabeu, Juventus, and the Champions League final against Barcelona.

"We are used to playing in big pressure and in big atmosphere."

Wenger, though, insists Arsenal will play their own game, rather than just look to stifle Milan.

"We have nothing to protect, but know we want to score goals," he said.

"Here we know we have to do both - to defend and attack like in any normal game which we want to win."

Wenger has overseen an Arsenal victory in the San Siro, with his team having beaten Milan's city rivals Inter in some style back during November 2003 when they won here 5-1.

The Gunners boss feels his current squad can take heart from that result.

"It is a big inspiration because we came here then in a desperate situation and had to make a big score - and we made it," he said.

"I believe we are highly focused and the team spirit is very high. It all the focus to come here and make a result.

"We are confident and up for it."

Midfielder Mathieu Flamini feels Arsenal must not let Milan slow the game down to their pace.

He said: "The tempo is going to be very important because we are playing against a big team in Milan.

"It will be very difficult, but we have to be strong, play our own game and score one more goal than them.

"We certainly have the quality to do that."

Flamini added: "When you are a professional footballer you dream to play in this kind of game. There will be no fear - it will be a pleasure."

Fit-again striker Robin van Persie has travelled with the squad to Italy, and is set to take his place on the bench tonight.

The 24-year-old striker started the campaign in fine form before being sidelined by knee and muscular problems.

Although van Persie has not played since the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final against Tottenham on January 9, Wenger believes the Dutchman's return can have a big impact.

"We had to be patient with Robin," said the Arsenal manager.

"We are now going into the final part of the season so it is important from a psychological point of view to have a boost from big players coming back."

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