AC Milan will need a miracle to catch Juventus and win the Scudetto but you would not know it by the moods in the two camps.

Milan, who go into this weekend's game against Chievo nine points behind Juve with six games left to play, are all smiles because they are now the only Italian club still alive in the Champions League.

Juve are so upset at their quarter-final elimination against Arsenal that they have decided not to talk to the press next week.

Milan, meanwhile, are only too happy to re-live their dramatic late goals against Lyon.

Progress into the semi-final has given them a chance to make amends for last season's second-half collapse against Liverpool in the Champions League final in Istanbul.

"I am really satisfied," said coach Carlo Ancelotti.

"After Istanbul many thought a cycle had come to an end.

"But they were wrong because this team can still do very well and we are very close to reaching the final in Paris."

The Rossoneri will have the added pressure of defending the pride of the Calcio after neighbours Internazionale were surprisingly eliminated by Villarreal.

"I am saddened by Inter's exit more than that of Juve," said Ancelotti.

"After all, Juve still have the Scudetto to look forward to.

"It wouldn't surprise me if Inter sacked (coach Roberto) Mancini even if he has done a good job, I feel sorry for him."

Ancelotti has not had an easy campaign, having had to constantly deny rumours of a possible move to Real Madrid despite him signing a contract extension with the Rossoneri.

"I am very happy at Milan," he said.

"I have never been close to Real Madrid or tempted to leave this club."

Aside from Europe, Ancelotti's side are focused on finishing second in Serie A after Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Lecce all but ended their title hopes.

The Rossoneri are well aware they will face a battle against Inter, who are two points behind them and will be desperate to finish second best.

With Inter taking on Ascoli on Saturday before the Milan derby next Friday, the pressure will be on Ancelotti's men as they host a determined Chievo.

Rivals Chievo have never beaten Milan at the San Siro but will be inspired by their recent positive run which has seen them take seven points of a possible nine.

Beppe Pillon's outfit hold the last European qualifying spot and are determined to increase their current two-point advantage over Lazio.

"We are in a good position," said Pillon after his team's 2-1 triumph against Livorno.

"We will fight until the end because we have the strength and determination to do so."

Pillon will be forced to rearrange his midfield line, with Luciano serving a one-match ban and Paolo Sammarco and Federico Giunti out injured.

However, the men from Verona hope to recover midfielder Andrea Zanchetta and defender Lorenzo D'Anna who have struggled with minor injuries throughout the week.

AC Milan welcome back captain Paolo Maldini who will replace injured defender Jaap Stam in the starting XI.

Ancelotti is set to rest Milan's top scorer Andriy Shevchenko and play with the in-form Filippo Inzaghi alongside Alberto Gilardino in attack.