Preview: Experience could play a big part in this match
Ajax did not enjoy their opening match in the UEFA Champions League, having been defeated 4-0 against Barcelona. Since that defeat at the Nou Camp, the Dutch outfit has won twice and lost once, but AC Milan should pose them a bigger threat than Go Ahead Eagles did at the weekend.
A 6-0 thumping see's Frank de Boer's side come into their match on Tuesday with some added confidence. But do not be fooled, this Ajax side has talent, but experience could be a key factor in this competition.
De Boer knows that the Rossoneri are a strong squad, regardless of their injuries and inconsistencies thus far in Serie A. Their 2-0 victory over Celtic will be proof of that, but de Boer believes that his side can overcome the odds.
"Milan have three very strong forwards and a good midfield," de Boer told UEFA's official website. "The most important thing is that we try to get three points. The next three matches are crucial."
Winning matches is clearly important for a team to progress, but overall, home matches are vital. Dropping points on your home turf could be a recipe for elimination, and Ajax is well aware of that.
"We will go into the match with a positive attitude," de Boer added. "We don't have a team that can sit back and play on the counter. The most important thing is that we play our own game. You don't expect to get points at Camp Nou, our best chances will come at home."
Defeating Milan at home would kick-start the club's Champions League campaign. Being able to do that without any serious injury concerns is an added bonus that Massimiliano Allegri does not have.
The Italian side has suffered a load of injuries, and just when they thought El Shaarawy was headed back to the squad, the Italian international broke his foot in training.
Along with his absence, Milan will also be without Daniele Bonera, Pazzini, Silvestre, Kaká and Saponara.
Knowing that his side is lacking in depth and healthy players, Allegri has turned to Nigel de Jong and Urby Emanuelson for some information on Ajax.
"There are no easy games in Europe," Allegri said in his press conference. "Ajax play good football, so we must be careful. They are good at recovering the ball, so we must be at our best to win. We have analyzed Ajax closely, and Urby Emanuelson and Nigel de Jong have helped with that. We must approach the game with a focused attitude."
Being focused is an understatement, especially considering how inconsistent Milan has been this season.
With only two victories from their first six Serie A matches, Allegri's side has yet to record a victory away from the San Siro. Two draws and one defeat outside of their stadium will give Ajax a strong belief that they can steal points from the Italians.
The last time these two clubs met in Amsterdam, the match ended in a 1-1 draw. That would not be the worst of results for either side, but Ajax has not defeated an Italian side in their stadium since December of 2002. Can Frank de Boer's side put an end to that streak on Tuesday?
Where to watch the match - live stream, start time, TV channels, live scores
Watch Ajax vs AC Milan live on Tuesday, October 1, 2013:
In Canada at 14:45 ET on: Sportsnet One, Sportsnet World Online
In the UK at 19:45 BST on: Sky Sports Events Centre, Sky Sports Red Button
In the USA at 14:45 ET on: Fox Sports Net, Fox Sports Ohio, MSG Plus, Fox Soccer 2Go, Fox Sports Florida
Viewers in Italy can watch this UEFA Champions League match on Sky Sport 1 HD Italia, Sport Mediaset Live and Sky Calcio 1. If you are in the Netherlands, follow the action on NOS, Sport 1 Live and Nederland 3.
If you are outside of these viewing areas, please visit the Ajax vs AC Milan match page for full TV listings.
