Antonelli: Milan must qualify for Europe

The Rossoneri remain ninth in the Serie A standings after Sunday's derby draw with Inter but the defender is confident they can finish the season with a flourish

Luca Antonelli says AC Milan can't afford to miss out on European qualification and called on the side to win their last seven games.

The Rossoneri were held to a 0-0 draw by Inter on Sunday night, a result that means they remain one place and one point above the Nerazzurri, but still sit ninth in the table, seven points behind fifth-placed Sampdoria.

Extra European spots could become available depending on results elsewhere, with third-placed Napoli bidding to qualify for the Champions League by winning this season's Europa League, and leaders Juventus playing second-placed Lazio in the Coppa Italia final.

Consequently, Antonelli believes Milan still have every chance of qualifying for continental competition next season - providing they deliver on their side of the bargain by finishing the campaign with a flourish, starting with Saturday's trip to Udinese.

"We played better in the first-half, while in the second half we risked a bit too much by dropping deeper," the full-back told reporters after the stalemate at San Siro.

"It was a tense match, and especially for me as a Milan fan, it was doubly so.

"We have kept Inter behind us in the league table and now let’s focus on winning away at Udinese.

"We need to have the desire to go and qualify for Europe. We cannot fail.

"It will be difficult versus Udinese, but we have to go there and try and win.

"There are now seven finals to go and we will try and bring home 21 points." 

Antonelli, who came through the youth team ranks at Milan, rejoined the club from Genoa during the winter transfer window.