Milan, who won 3-0 at the San Siro last week, eliminated their French opponents with a 5-3 aggregate score.
The Italian powerhouse and seven-time European champions have never won the second-tier Europa League or its predecessor, the UEFA Cup.
Midfielder Benjamin Bourigeaud’s hat-trick put the hosts up three times with Milan quickly answering twice.
Bourigeaud netted the opener in the 11th minute with a fierce right-footed shot from over 20 metres to beat goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
Forward Luka Jović cancelled it out 10 minutes later with a header off a cross by captain Theo Hernández.
Bourigeaud made it 2-1 early in the second from the penalty spot but Rafael Leão equalised after four minutes with a fine solo effort.
Bourigeaud sent Maignan the wrong way with another spot kick to make it 3-2.
The eight runners-up from the Europa League group stage played the eight third-placed teams from the Champions League group stage in the playoffs.
The eight winners will take on the Europa League’s group winners, who qualified directly for the round of 16. They are Liverpool, West Ham and Brighton from the Premier League, as well Leverkusen, Atalanta, Villarreal, Rangers and Slavia Prague.
The draw is scheduled for Friday.
AAP
