The Europa League Round of 16 draw took place on Friday, and the Italian clubs will have to negotiate their way through the quarter finals against two tough opponents.
Whilst Napoli crashed out of the competition at the hands at Granada, Milan sealed a tough qualification on away goals after two draws against Red Star Belgrade. For their part, Roma comfortably walked into the round of 16 after beating Portugual’s Braga 5-1 on aggregate.
Giallorossi manager Paulo Fonseca will be facing his past, as his side has been pitted against his former employers Shakhtar Donetsk. The Portuguese tactician was at the helm of the Ukrainian side between 2016 and 2019 before moving to the Italian capital.
This season, Shakhtar held Inter to two draws in the Champions League before sealing a qualification to Europe’s second competition – which they have previously won in 2009.
Nonetheless, the highlight of the Europa League round of 16 draw was undoubtedly the upcoming fixture between Milan and Manchester United.
These two European giants share a long history of crucial meetings in the Champions League knockout stages. One of their most memorable clashes was during the semi finals of the 2006/07 season, when Kaka put on a magical display to lead the Diavolo to the final.
Although the Europa League round of 16 won’t exactly be the most prestigious of stages for the two clubs, it remains a thrilling meeting for the fans of nostalgia.
Elsewhere, Dutch champions Ajax will take on Swiss side Young Boys, and Dinamo Kyiv will be set for a tough challenge against La Liga’s Villarreal. Arsenal will take a trip to Athens to play Olympiacos, whilst their North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur will face Croatia’s Dinamo Zagreb.
The first legs of the round will be played on March 11, whilst the return fixtures will take place seven days later.
? Round of 16 draw! ?
Best game? ?#UELdraw pic.twitter.com/LlPsMyZjgo
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) February 26, 2021