AC Milan boss Gennaro Gattuso has described himself as "a rookie" in comparison to Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger.
The two European giants have been drawn against each other in the last 16 of the Europa League, with the first leg taking place at San Siro on Thursday night.
Gattuso has insisted that he does not find himself in a direct "challenge" with Wenger, but has suggested that he is excited about the prospect of testing himself against a vastly-experienced coach.
At a press conference, the 40-year-old told reporters: "It's not a challenge with him, because in that regard it's not a contest. He's won so much in his career, he's been managing the same club for 21-22 years. My path is still very long.
"It will be an interesting match, with more of a new philosophy like mine against him and his experience. He likes to play a style based heavily on possession.
"I've been through games like this as a player, everything is different now. Compared to Wenger I'm just a rookie, I'm just starting and he's been coaching for 30 years."
Milan are unbeaten in their last 13 games in all competitions, while Arsenal have suffered four successive defeats.
Darren Plant
