Abate: Milan the ones to catch

Published Feb. 10, 2011 8:58 a.m. ET

foxsports

AC Milan full-back Ignazio Abate has warned the Serie A chasing pack they are still the team to beat.

The Rossoneri have seen their momentum slip somewhat of late with four draws in their last six matches, and their lead over second-placed Napoli is now just three points.

However, Abate told the club's official website: "We knew that it would be a long and tough season but I feel we are doing well.

"We have to look at the positives and when the other teams go through a bad period they tend to lose more often.

"We are still the league leaders and it is up to the others not to slip up if they want to catch us."

Abate has missed the last three Serie A matches through injury but is now back in training and could feature against Parma on Saturday.

"I am feeling better," he said. "I have been training for three or four days and I can now feel the strength coming back in my legs.

"I will look to improve my strength bit by bit every day."