Montolivo calls for Milan to put foot on accelerator

AC Milan midfielder Riccardo Montolivo has called on his team
to continue to make ground on the Serie A leaders.

After a slow start to the season, Milan have been much
improved, only losing one of their past seven matches in all
competitions after seeing off Crotone in the Coppa Italia
midweek.

Milan travel to Carpi on Sunday and Montolivo wants his team-
mates to stay focused as they attempt to chase down Napoli
and Inter.

Montolivo said: "From now until the half-way stage of the
season, we need to put our foot down on the accelerator and
make up ground on the sides above us.

"It's important that we see steady improvements in the team.

We have started from scratch this season and it’s normal to
encounter a few setbacks, but we’re growing as a team."

Despite a better run of results, Milan – seventh in the standings
- are 10 points behind city rivals Inter.

Speaking to the press ahead of the trip to Carpi, midfielder Nigel
de Jong confirmed he has recovered from injury and is ready to
be selected by manager Sinisa Mihajlovic.

"The team played well versus Sampdoria and we must keep this
going," De Jong said.

"I don't want to talk about my future. It's not easy when you
don't play on a regular basis, but it's down to the coach. I am a
professional and am always available."