Stefano Pioli and Graham Potter would be on the opposite dugout for the first time, in Wednesday night’s Champions League tie between Chelsea and AC Milan.

Potter has been in charge of Chelsea for only two games, and Milan boss Stefano Pioli has insisted that he knows much about the Chelsea manager, having followed him from his time at Brighton.

Speaking specifically about Potter and his move to Chelsea, Pioli admitted that he followed Potter during his time at Brighton & Hove Albion closely and has monitored the two shapes he has already used this season at Chelsea.

Pioli said: “I know Potter because last year Brighton played well and I followed him. He makes the team play well and plays offensive football.

“In the two games with Chelsea he changed formations, going from a three-man defence to a four-man defence. This is a bit strange for an incoming coach, but he is like that. We know Chelsea well, that allowed us to work a lot more on ourselves, but we also prepared something on them.”

Pioli hailed the Chelsea team, but however insisted that his side can cope with Chelsea’s quality.

He said: “They [Chelsea] will have a strong approach, with all the qualities they have.

“We have to be prepared, I think my team has the qualities to put such a strong opponent in trouble.

“I believe that by now this group has shown that it is mature and aware, but every match and especially a big challenge like this one allows you to understand where you have got to and to grow.”

Asked on the gap between Italian and English football, Pioli insisted his side will do their talking on the pitch.

He concluded: “The pitch determines performances and results. Chelsea won the Champions League not long ago, they strengthened their team by spending a lot: the level is very high. We want to try to play at their level and put them in difficulty.”