Claudio Villa/Getty ImagesAC Milan continued their home winless streak in Champions League play falling to Zenit at the San Siro on Tuesday night.

Like a guardian angel swooping into town (via a helicopter) to deliver yet another inspirational speech, Milan patron Silvio Berlusconi had become somewhat of a good luck omen. A Milanello regular in recent weeks, Berlusconi's appearances coincided with an upturn in results with coaching staff and players alike all recognising and appreciating his increasing involvement.

- Champions League roundup

With the private parties and politics on hold, the former Prime Minister's luck ran out on Tuesday night, as Milan fell to a disappointing defeat in effectively a meaningless Champions League game against Zenit. With the game failing to live up to the brilliance of former Roma boss Luciano Spalletti's 'Movember'-inspired facial hair, the below-par performance ended a strong run of results that hopefully doesnt leave an impact on confidence.

Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri raised eyebrows with his team selection, and left me frustrated having failed to include more youngsters. With qualification already secured, it was apparent to many that he could learn more about the likes of Bryan Cristante and Andrea Petagna, rather than field Mathieu Flamini among others.

It is not an untested formula with Stephan El Shaarawy and Mattia De Sciglio showing what the next generation is capable of, and to further compound his choices, then came the unnecessary risk in introducing El Shaarawy late in the game. "Petagna has improved a lot, but he stills needs to improve more," Allegri commented after the game. Perhaps playing time might help the youngster achieve that?

With that missed opportunity aside, what have we learned from the Champions League group stages? Firstly, the Rossoneri have a horrendous home record. With two draws and one defeat at home this campaign, that's now just three wins in eleven at San Siro in Europe's elite competition. In contrast, their away form proved decisive as victories in St. Petersburg and Anderlecht effectively secured qualification.

The draw for the round of 16 takes place on December 20 in Nyon, providing ample time to predict who Milan may come up against. Having finished second in Group C, the Rossoneri will face a difficult task whomever they draw and among the possible opponents are Paris Saint-Germain, presenting the chance of an immediate reunion with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva.

There is also the threat of the Bundesliga duo of Schalke or Dortmund, the former ending undefeated in Group B ahead of Arsenal while the latter topped the 'group of death' finishing above Real Madrid. Also guaranteed top spot in their respective groups are Barcelona and Manchester United, both sealing their place in the knock-out stages with a game to spare with the likes of Bayern Munich and Shakhtar also representing potential opposition.

Hand on heart, how many of those sides can you envisage Milan beating? Without allowing this defeat to undo the great work achieved in recent weeks, it is difficult to see how the Rossoneri could conquer many of them. Having come through owing a lot to an under-achieving Zenit side who were tipped to top the group at the start of the competition, Milan have done well in securing their place in the last 16.

However, the Champions League is cast into Milan’s history, and they will always believe they have a chance of progressing further. Having already 'over-achieved' by qualifying, they will be hopeful of extending their European adventure, but at whose expense remains a mystery for now.

What have you made of Milan's Champions League campaign so far? Have they shown signs they can progress further?

For all the latest Milan and Serie A news, you can follow me on Twitter @italiafooty

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