Pato back for Milan-Juve clash

Posted Saturday, February 25, 2012 by Supersport.com

Brazil forward Alexandre Pato will return to AC Milan's team for Saturday's home game against Juventus (1945) after being rested for last weekend's win over Cesena, coach Massimiliano Allegri told reporters.

Milan and Juventus are locked in a tussle for the Serie A crown with the former one point clear of their rivals who have a game in hand.

"It's not yet a decisive game but a win for either team would change the balance of the championship," Allegri said on Friday. "We just have to try and get the best result we can."

Juventus manager Antonio Conte said his team could benefit from the suspension being served by Milan forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The Swede, who has scored 15 Serie A goals this season, was banned for three matches after slapping a Napoli player earlier this month.

"Ibra shifts the balance in favour of the team he plays for but our attitude won't change regardless of who we're playing," Conte told reporters.

Inter Milan defenders Andrea Ranocchia (thigh injury) and Maicon (knee) will miss Sunday's visit to Napoli (1945), the club said on their website.

According to media reports, Ranocchia is likely to be out for several weeks while Brazilian Maicon faces 15 to 20 days on the sidelines.

Claudio Ranieri's Inter are seventh in the table, one point behind sixth-placed Napoli who beat Chelsea 3-1 in their Champions League first knockout round first leg in midweek.

Cagliari president Massimo Cellino has offered to quit in a legal row over a new stadium but the board have rejected his resignation.

"The board of directors have unanimously rejected the resignation and the president has postponed any decision until the end of the season," the club said in a statement.

Cagliari, ninth in the table, play host to third from bottom Lecce on Sunday (1400).