Allegri has faith in stricken Milan

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri is in no doubt his injury-ravaged side will successfully defend their Serie A title.

Milan have had to make do without key players at regular intervals throughout 2011/12 campaign.

Star defender Thiago Silva and influential midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng are just two of the men out of action as they prepare to host Genoa on Saturday.

Milan are just one point behind league leaders Juventus with six rounds remaining, and Allegri is in a defiant frame of mind.

“I still believe that we will win it,” he said.

“We will fight for the Scudetto but it will be very tough.

“On Sunday night we will see where we are but there are still many matches to go. We must return to the top of the table.”

According to Allegri, Milan’s fitness team do not know if key man Boateng will play any part in the title run-in.

“We did a scan on Boateng yesterday (Thursday), and he has an inflammation in the groin,” Allegri said.

“We don’t know when he can play again (this season).

“We have been missing a player with his characteristics … but the squad has still been able to do his job in his absence.”

Allegri is buoyed by the fact talismanic striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has been experiencing some back pain of late, is now in good shape.

“Ibra is feeling fine,” he said.

“Against Chievo (on Tuesday) he gave it his all, just like the rest of the squad. I’m proud of them.

“With regard to the line-up (for Genoa), I still have to evaluate the players in today’s training. After that I will decide.”