Nesta set for Milan return

AC Milan will welcome Alessandro Nesta back to partner Thiago Silva in the centre of defence against Inter Milan on Sunday.

Veteran centre-back Nesta recently recovered from a hip problem and was on the bench for the 2-0 win over Atalanta last week.

Right-back Ignazio Abate and midfielder Clarence Seedorf should also return to the starting 11 after both missed the clash in Bergamo due to injury.

Gennaro Gattuso, having been diagnosed with ocular myasthenia, and Alberto Aquilani, who is out for a month with an ankle problem, will definitely miss the match.

After his failed move to Paris Saint-Germain and recent poor form, Alexandre Pato may be dropped to a substitute role as Robinho partners Zlatan Ibrahimovic up front.

Meanwhile, despite the return of some star players, Inter boss Claudio Ranieri is likely to stick with the same 11 that defeated Parma 5-0.

Striker Diego Forlan has recovered from the ankle knock that saw him miss that convincing win and playmaker Wesley Sneijder is available again after missing the last two months with a muscular injury.

But both World Cup heroes may have to settle for a place on the bench as Giampaolo Pazzini and Diego Milito continue together in attack with the creative duties falling on Ricardo Alvarez.

Brazilian defender Maicon is expected to play despite suffering an adductor muscle strain during last weekend’s victory at San Siro.