Milan will recover insists Ancelotti

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Bullish Carlo Ancelotti has backed AC Milan to bounce back from their current downturn in form.

Milan followed up last week's disappointing Uefa Cup exit at the hands of Werder Bremen with a 2-1 Serie A defeat at Sampdoria on Sunday.

The Rossoneri are now 12 points adrift of league leaders and bitter rivals Internazionale.

"It is no doubt a difficult moment, but I am sure that things will get better soon," claimed Ancelotti.

"As soon as we recover our injured players and get a chance to train adequately, we will get back on track.

"I think it will take a couple of weeks but you will soon see a very different side.

"I am not a scapegoat right now. I am obviously concerned but we all feel responsible.

"However, we still can achieve our objective which is a third place finish to take part in the competition we love the most (the Champions League)."

Meanwhile, Roma coach Luciano Spalletti accused Sunday's referee of favouring Internazionale after their 3-3 draw at the San Siro.

The Giallorossi conceded three goals in the second half and had to settle for a stalemate against the Serie A leaders, but Spalletti was outraged when Mario Balotelli won a 63rd-minute penalty which he also converted.

"We have thrown away two vital points," he claimed. "I am convinced that it was a fantastic spectacle for the sport between two teams that were very even.

"We did not deserve this result but unfortunately we can't always have things go our way.

"Over the last four years that we have played here, we are always unlucky with an array of refereeing decisions."

Elsewhere, Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri believes it will be impossible to replace Czech midfielder Pavel Nedved.

The 36-year-old confirmed last week that he will retire at the end of the current season.

Spain international David Silva has been mentioned as a possible replacement but, although admitting he is a fan of his protege at former club Valencia, Ranieri does not believe he can fill the boots of the veteran playmaker.

Regarding Silva, he said: "He is very strong. He was still playing with the Valencia youth team and I decided to bring him into the senior squad.

"I knew he would turn into a great champion. Could he be the new Nedved? I think that Nedved's replacement does not exist."