The European Champions begin the defence of their title against Benfica on Tuesday night and the manager knows that retaining their crown presents a difficult challenge.

"To repeat yourself is difficult," he said. "Especially in a competition like this one, where everything must go the right way, especially in the period from March onwards. However it remains a motivation, not a worry.

"The Champions League represents an important objective, this year we also have the World Club Cup which is equally important.

"When this competition starts we always feel something particular. We start as European champions, trying to reach the objective which is making the final."

Ancelotti will have virtually a full squad to choose from with Andrea Pirlo the only doubt due to a calf injury.

The Rossoneri will be favourites to beat Benfica despite a slow start to their domestic campaign which has seen them pick up just five points from their opening three games.

The manager anticipates, however, that the Portuguese outfit will provide a stern test and with the added spice of Manuel Rui Costa returning to the San Siro he knows the visitors will be up for the challenge.

"Benfica is a team which has maintained its tradition like all Portuguese sides," he said.

"It has excellent offensive qualities, we saw them during the qualification for the Champions League and the start of the Portuguese league.

"With regards to Rui Costa, he's a great protagonist of the past years and we have a great memory of him and we have a lot of affection for him.

"He's a player who despite his age still manages to play at this levels. I have a lot of respect for him and his professionalism proven by his great performances with Benfica."

Benfica boss Jose Antonio Camacho has a host of injury problems going into the match with influential defensive midfielder Armando Petit missing out after injuring knee ligaments at the weekend.

He joins goalkeeper Moreira (knee) and defenders Luisao (knee), Andre Luiz (foot), and Marc Zoro (thigh) on the sidelines while summer signing Freddy Adu - who has yet to make his debut for the club - is not expected to make the squad.