"An incredible moment for Bournemouth" – Marcus Tavernier relishing Milan date

Bournemouth winger Marcus Tavernier has described their UEFA Europa League meeting with AC Milan as "an incredible moment" for the club.

Bournemouth have made a superb start to the first European campaign in their history, following up a 2-1 away win at Real Sociedad by beating Sturm Graz 3-0 at home. Victory over Milan would make them the first English side to win their opening three matches in European competition since Sunderland did so in the 1973-74 Cup Winners' Cup.

Standing in the way of that historic run are Milan, who have lifted the Champions League 7 times, making them the most successful club in the competition after Real Madrid (15).

Tavernier, who found the net against Sunderland last weekend, is relishing the chance to face one of Europe's giants. The 27-year-old said:

"For us it's a job, but at the same time, when the draw was made, we wanted to play against massive clubs who have achieved great things both in their own leagues and in Europe. If someone had told us last season that this year we'd be playing Milan at home in the Europa League, we'd have bitten their hand off. It's a really incredible moment in terms of where the club wants to go, being involved in games like this and making Bournemouth a bigger club in the world."

Bournemouth will be the 12th different English side Milan have faced in major European competition. The Italian giants' first meetings with each of the last six different English clubs they have come up against all ended level. One of those was the unforgettable 2005 Champions League final against Liverpool, which finished 3-3 before Milan lost on penalties.

Meanwhile, Milan head coach Ruben Amorim failed to win any of his three matches against Bournemouth during his time in charge of Manchester United (2 draws, 1 defeat).