Ancelotti - "We believe in second place"

Carlo Ancelotti has gone from clinging to a Champions League spot to leading the charge on Juventus in second place.

There are only two points now separating the teams and that could be wiped out this weekend when Juve welcome Serie A leaders Inter to Turin.

“We believe in second place, because at this moment Juventus are falling back,” the Coach told Milan Channel.

“The Bianconeri need to be wary, as do we, but they have to play Inter and for us this provides extra motivation to catch up.”

The 1-0 victory away to Chievo was the fourth in their last five games and now the Rossoneri are closing in on the runner-up spot.

“The three points we earned in Verona were important for our position in the table. Nobody lets go in the top spots and it is Milan’s duty to keep up with the others.

“Even if our team performance wasn’t fantastic, it was important to win so we could maintain our advantage over Genoa and Fiorentina, while Roma are a little further back. We must be alert, though, as one slip-up could compromise everything.”

Last season Milan failed to qualify for the Champions League and the club has hinted anything less than third place will see Ancelotti replaced.

He has struggled throughout the campaign with an injury crisis and will miss Christian Abbiati, Kakha Kaladze, Daniele Bonera, Marco Borriello, Emerson, Gennaro Gattuso and the suspended Marek Jankulovski for this week’s game with Torino.

“It was not the best performance against Chievo, but the team played with focus and concentration. The result came thanks to the determination we put on to the field.”

The star player of the victory at the Bentegodi was previously pilloried Nelson Dida, who has rediscovered his form after Abbiati’s knee ligament injury.

“Dida is reaping the rewards of all the hard work he did when he wasn’t playing, as he has recovered physically and is back to the reliable goalkeeper he was in the past. Most of the credit goes to him and the effort he put in during these months.”