AC Milan vs Chievo Verona, Preview: Mid-table meeting in Milan

Massimiliano Allegri has survived another week in the Milan hotseat. Another testing seven days awaits the under-fire tactician, as after hosting the Flying Donkeys on Saturday evening, the Rossoneri welcome Malaga three days later in a crunch Champions League tie.

Both games are must win, but the good news for Milan fans is that their side have won the last ten meetings against Chievo. The hosts ran out 4-0 winners in last season's corresponding fixture. Allegri would love a repeat of that scoreline.

However, Chievo are no longer the Serie A whipping boys. Since Eugenio Corini has come on board, the side have noticeably improved. Defensive frailties have been plugged with the club shipping just three goals in Corini's four games in charge.

Out of those four matches, seven points is a positive return for Corini. His side will come into this game buoyed by a 2-0 midweek win over Pescara.

Milan recovered from 2-0 down to draw at Palermo in midweek and boast the league's top goalscorer in Stephan El Shaarawy. The Italian prodigy registered his seventh strike in Sicily and is expected to form a forward trident alongside Alexandre Pato and Bojan Krkic, as the Rossoneri switch from a 3-5-2 to a 3-4-3.

Corini is under no illusions at the task at hand and was quick to point out Milan's key man during a press conference. He said: "El Shaarawy is living in an extraordinary moment. I am expecting a tough match against the Rossoneri.

"They are a good team, but we also have the quality to do well."

AC Milan injuries and suspensions

Out: Luca Antonini (injured) Daniele Bonera (suspended). In doubt: Robinho, Kevin Prince-Boateng

Chievo Verona injuries and suspensions

Out: Bostjan Cesar, Gennaro Sardo, Alberto Paloschi (injured)

Match Date/Time: 6 p.m. local, 12 p.m. ET

Venue: San Siro, Milan, Italy

TV: SportItalia, Sky Calcio 2 (Italy) RAI Internazionale (U.S & Canada)