The Italians - who beat Liverpool in last season's final - have hardly been in top form, with successive draws to sit in fifth place in Serie A, but some 21 points adrift of leaders and city rivals Internazionale.

However, Ancelotti's men remain full of European pedigree, spearheaded by World Player of the Year Kaka.

In last season's semi-final, Milan were beaten 3-2 by Manchester United at Old Trafford, but went on to record a comprehensive 3-0 victory in the return leg.

Ancelotti believes that experience could prove key to this tie.

"We can even lose this first leg. We lost in Manchester," he said.

"It is important to understand that we can still do it even if we lose this first leg. We can win the return match."

Ancelotti continued: "We will need personality and character to win this game.

"The success of AC Milan in the last few years has always been about finding that personality and character.

"I am confident. We still have a lot of motivation to do well in this competition, and we are very determined to get through.

"We have the qualities to get through this tie."

Milan have something of a goalkeeping crisis, with Zeljko Kalac a major doubt because of a dislocated finger.

With regular number one Dida already out with a back injury, 38-year-old Valerio Fiori is likely to be thrown into the thick of the action, even though he has not played in an official match for the Rossoneri since December 2003.

Ancelotti, though, will leave it as late as possible to make a decision.

"We will try Kalac tomorrow, not today. If he's in a condition to play, he will. Otherwise, Fiori will play," said the Milan boss.

"I am not sure he will make it in time to recover, even though he says he feels okay.

"We'd prefer not training him today to avoid any further problems.

"He should have a bit more time tomorrow for him to recover.

"If not, we have full trust and confidence in Fiori. I won't be losing sleep tonight on that front."

Veteran captain Paolo Maldini made his 1,000th appearance for club and country in the draw with Parma last weekend.

The 39-year-old, who has been at Milan for 23 seasons, remains confident of ending his career on a high.

He said: "I have had a fantastic career, and feel this isn't going to be the last (European) match.

"It will be difficult, though, as Arsenal are top of the Premier League.

"They have been growing a lot, full of young players and enthusiasm, and they're having a great time in the championship at present.

"They play the ball quick and, up front, have a real striker in (Emmanuel) Adebayor.

"He has grown up a lot more than others this season, but the rest of their team play just as well.

"But we arrive here as champions of Europe - that makes me optimistic, while our tradition, our history, that makes me feel confident."