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Berlusconi demands Milan focus

Sat 10 May, 12:30 PM


AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi has warned his team not to lose their focus ahead of two very important games to finish the season.Berlusconi was in celebratory mood after last weekend's victory over Inter Milan at the San Siro which lifted AC into fourth place - a position good enough to qualify for next season's Champions League.

But the Rossoneri have a tricky run-in, starting on Sunday at Napoli before ending the campaign at home to Udinese.

Fiorentina, who are just one point behind Milan, conclude their campaign against Parma and Torino.

"We got the result we needed having played an excellent game," said Berlusconi, who stepped down on Thursday as club president in order to avoid a conflict of interests when he begins his third stint as Italian prime minister.

"But we must cross our fingers. There are two games left to play and that is what still separates us from the Champions League."

In the meantime, the Rossoneri are busy preparing for next season with the club having signed France midfielder Mathieu Flamini this week.

Flamini, 24, whose contract with Arsenal runs out this summer, put pen to paper on a four-year contract.

Carlo Ancelotti's side will be looking to maintain their inspiring form as they seek their fourth consecutive triumph at the San Paolo Stadium.

Napoli will have to keep a close eye on in-form Filippo Inzaghi who scored yet again for the Rossoneri in the Milan derby.

The Italian veteran forward notched his ninth goal in the last five games and that incredible run is a personal best for Inzaghi.

The 34-year-old will have an added reason to shine this weekend as he is looking to increase his chances of making Italy's Euro 2008 squad.

"I really hope to be able to go," said Inzaghi. "I have not been someone that has not been in the national team frame for two years. But I have always been there.

"Donadoni will make his choice and if he calls me, I will be happy."

Napoli lie in mid-table security with nothing much to play for and, like Milan, are already looking ahead at next season.

"This summer I intend to take the team to Toronto and New York as part of our international tour after the European Championships," said club president Aurelio De Laurentiis.

Whether coach Edy Reja will continue in charge of the Partenopei next campaign remains to be seen.

"There's always a place for Reja in the side," said De Laurentiis. "If he wants he can stay with us."

Napoli will be eager to return to the winning ways after a goalless draw against Siena followed a 2-1 defeat at Torino.

The hosts welcome back defender Paolo Cannavaro from suspension but will have to do without Fabiano Santacroce and Manuele Blasi, both serving a one-match ban.

Milan will be without suspended midfielder Andrea Pirlo and injured captain Paolo Maldini.

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