Like most people, I love the finer things in life; beautiful clothes, exotic cars, exquisite architecture – I can’t afford any of them but I still like them. I also really appreciate style and having been there many times, Italy is probably the most stylish country in the world. Italy has given the world Ferrari, Lamborghini, Giorgio Armani and Miuccia Prada, whilst Rome, Florence and Venice are beyond beautiful.

Sadly Italy is also the home of the most boring, cynical (and occasionally corrupt) football teams in the world, as we witnessed once again last night. Arriving at the new stadium full of hope, I phoned my mate to check on the team news. As we always do, we each tried to predict the score and for the first time this season we were both spot on!

I had a feeling that Arsenal would respond well after Saturday and, with the exception of that idiot Eboue, the lads showed just how well equipped they are for European football. Unfortunately Milan’s only ambition last night was to strangle any life out of the game and whilst that might be effective, it’s not very nice to sit and watch. No wonder the whole world wants to see the Premier League.

The huge picture on the back page of The Times this morning nicely sums up just how cynical Milan are. Showing the moment that Adebayor hit the bar in the last minute, Massimo Oddo can clearly be seen pulling Manu’s shirt literally off his back, something that I didn’t see at the time and neither did Mr Bo Larsen. There were also the frequent “stop the game, Luigi’s been shot” moments, usually when we were going forward and designed purely to break up our rhythm. Luigi of course, got up and sprinted away after a new layer of hair gel had been applied.

We now find ourselves needing to win or get a score draw in the San Siro, something Arsenal have done before in spectacular fashion but this lot are in a different class to the Inter team of 2003. I think Hleb will be our key man out there as he showed once again last night that, no matter how cynical the opposition, class will inevitably shine through. Alex’s ability to pick a pass will be crucial.

It is going to be a huge task but I believe we’ll do it, probably on away goals. I just hope my finger nails can last the full 90 minutes.