Fabregas: We can win in Italy

Fabregas: Remains positve

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• Cesc Fabregas
• Mathieu Flamini

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Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas believes the Gunners can win against Milan in the cauldron of the San Siro in a fortnight's time.

The young side have it all to do after being unable to find the net against the Italian giants at the Emirates on Wednesday - despite their dominance in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League last-16 game.

The closest they came to taking the lead was when Emmanuel Adebayor put his close-range header against the woodwork in stoppage time.

But the lack of a goal means they now have to go to the San Siro on 4th March and beat the holders for a place in the quarter-finals.

A vital away goal would greatly aid their cause - and also help them avoid the lottery of penalties.

Assessing the situation, Fabregas said: "After a big defeat against Manchester United at the weekend we came back well and came back strong.

Regret

"We had quite a lot of chances but in football you have to take them. Hopefully we won't regret it and we can go there, play the same way and I am sure we can win."

He added: "We are a positive side, we are young - but even that having seen what we have seen we can cope with their pace, their experience and we can create chances.

"If we can score a goal I think we have a good opportunity to go through.

"But it is very difficult. They have a lot of experience, they know how to play, they defend very well, they are very intelligent.

"They never play around, if they have to kick it out, they will.

"It is the hardest team we could get, especially so early - but if you want to be the best you have to beat the best and they are one of the hardest teams to beat in the world."

Fellow midfielder Mathieu Flamini is also focused on the task ahead.

No choice

The Frenchman said: "We have no choice now - we have to go over there and win the second leg.

"We have the quality to go over there and win the game to qualify.

"We have been playing together a few years now and already been to the final of the Champions League, so we cannot say we are inexperienced, too young, that is not a problem.

"We have beaten teams like Real Madrid and Juventus before so it's important to demonstrate that on the pitch again.

"We will have to deal with the midfield battle - after that we can play our game. It is important to be ready for the fight."