Milan ready to move into top four

ROME, Italy -- AC Milan can boost their chances of finishing in a Champions League qualification spot in Serie A if they win Wednesday's home game against Livorno.

This is the last of their games in hand on their rivals for a top four finish, after their Club World Cup commitments earlier in the campaign.

A run of six victories in seven matches this year has pushed them to within two points of fourth-placed Fiorentina.

A win over lowly Livorno could give them realistic chances of catching third-placed Juventus or even second-placed Roma.

Milan's performances have not been that imposing four of their recent triumphs have been 1-0 successes, the win over Siena on Sunday.

The matchwinner against Siena was 18-year-old striking sensation Alberto Paloschi, who scored 18 seconds after making his entrance as a second-half substitute for Brazilian Serginho.

He became the second 18-year-old striker this season to make a big impression at Milan, following Brazilian starlet Pato.

Paloschi played because Pato and Kaka were injured and Alberto Gilardino was suspended.

Gilardino said he was happy for Paloschi, even though the youngster could become a rival for a first team place.

"I feel very happy. He's a young lad who deserved his goal and I hope he will score many more like that because for an 18-year-old to come on like he did and score such an important goal after just 18 seconds is an important thing for him.

"He deserves it. He's a good player, he comes from the Milan area and that makes it even more special.

"He's a player who has a great feel for the goal, in the area he commands respect and he's clinical.

"He's 18 and he doesn't need any pressure on him right now. He's got a lot of potential and he's very talented."

Paloschi should step down against Livorno, with Gilardino available, Filippo Inzaghi fit again and Ronaldo likely to manage more than the 45 ineffectual minutes he offered on Sunday. E-mail to a friend