Milan with second-string defence against Juve

Milan look set to face old rivals Juventus with a second-string defence in their Serie A match tonight.

Kakha Kaladze is suspended while Alessandro Nesta yesterday lost his appeal against a two-game ban for his dismissal in the 2-1 defeat by Atalanta two weeks ago.

With Nesta out, fifth-placed Milan may have to rely on back-up defenders Giuseppe Favalli, Daniele Bonera and Cafu alongside Paolo Maldini. Right-back Massimo Oddo recently had knee surgery and left-back Marek Jankulovski is injured.

Carlo Ancelotti's side, four points behind fourth-placed Fiorentina, have just six games left to clamber into the final Champions League qualifying spot.

Juventus, two above Fiorentina in third, had their outside hopes of a title challenge ended by a 3-2 defeat at Palermo last weekend.

Czech winger Pavel Nedved has been ruled out of the big game along with injured midfielder Cristiano Zanetti, coach Claudio Ranieri told a news conference.

Nedved suffered a clash of heads in last weekend's 3-2 defeat at Palermo and despite returning to full training he will not be risked because he is not yet heading the ball.

Defender Nicola Legrottaglie is also fit for Juventus after taking a knock while midfielder Cristiano Zanetti is doubtful.

In the weekend's other big match, leaders Inter host Fiorentina tomorrow night with top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic again doubtful after recently returning to training after knee trouble.

The leaders may select 17-year-old forward Mario Balotelli after his match-winning performance in Atalanta last weekend.

Midfielder Marco Donadel is suspended for Fiorentina but the Florence club will still be buoyed by their 2-0 win at PSV Eindhoven on Thursday, which put them into the UEFA Cup semi-finals.

Champions Inter have a four-point advantage over second-placed Roma, who visit Udinese tomorrow afternoon.

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti, who previously managed Udinese, is hopeful striker Francesco Totti can recover from a thigh injury.

In the standout game at the bottom, Cagliari visit relegation rivals Livorno with the winner set to leap clear of the drop zone.