AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti expects his team to top UEFA Cup Group E but admits Portsmouth and Wolfsburg will prove the biggest challenge for his players.
The seven-time European Cup winners were also pitted against Heerenveen and Braga during Tuesday's (UK time) draw in Nyon.
"We want to win our group but we need a good start," said Ancelotti. "The crucial games will be the last two, against Portsmouth and Wolfsburg."
Milan, who failed to qualify for the Champions League after finishing a disappointing fifth in Serie A last term, has high expectations heading into the group stages of the tournament.
"We expected a tough group and it is," admitted Ancelotti. "We have two teams that play in important tournaments such as the Premier League and the Bundesliga while the other two belong to tournaments that are always interesting, the Portuguese and the Dutch leagues."
For Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp, the prospect of hosting Milan on November 27 is one to savour.
"We've got a fantastic game, a dream tie, to put on for our fans and we need to make the best of it, with a 7.45 or 8pm kick off," he said.
"AC Milan in a European competition is a one-off occasion. That should be a fabulous night."
Sevilla, which won back-to-back UEFA Cups in 2006 and 2007, was placed in Group C alongside Stuttgart, Sampdoria, Partizan Belgrade and Standard Liege.
Stuttgart and Samp in particular will pose a threat to the Spaniards, but Sevilla president Jose Maria Del Nido believes his side should be considered favourites.
"It's a difficult group, perhaps the most difficult, we'll go with all the respect in the world," he said.
"But Sevilla are the two-time champions and have to accept their role as favourites."
"We'll go with respect but with the security that we have to get past the group stage as group winners, if possible."
Fellow Primera Liga outfit Valencia will also be expected to top its pool with Club Brugge, Rosenborg, FC Copenhagen and St Etienne awaiting it in Group G.
Valencia midfielder Ruben Baraja said: "It's a good group for us, we can start as favourites."
"We have to respect all the others because every team is difficult and we have the chance to do well in this group."
"The fixtures, playing away against Rosenborg and St Etienne, might be an added difficulty but not an excuse for not qualifying for the next round."
FC Copenhagen assistant coach Carsten V. Jensen is relishing the meeting with Scandinavian rival Rosenborg.
"We're delighted about meeting Rosenborg. We see that match as a Nordic championship," he said.
Ajax coach Marco van Basten was quietly confident about his team's chances against Hamburg, Slavia Prague, Aston Villa and MSK Zilina in Group F.
"It was an interesting draw," said the former Holland boss. "Two teams from big competitions and two teams from lesser competitions."
"What strikes me at the moment is that all our opponents are doing well in their own league. But if you win your home games you have a reasonably big chance to go through to the next round."
Zilina coach Dusan Radolsky admits the draw will provide a test for his Slovakian outfit, saying: "All the teams are very strong but I am looking forward to playing them."
Paris St Germain coach Paul Le Guen believes Schalke and Manchester City will post the biggest threat to his side in a Group A