"We're as good as Juve"

"We'll see who crosses the line first."

Juve lost 2-1 away at Bayern Munich on Tuesday with a lacklustre display, but Kaka is aware that the Turin giants - who have won seven matches in as many games in Serie A - are still a major threat.

"We are well aware that every team in the world can be beaten. We are now hoping that Juventus lose in the league so that we can catch them up in the table."

Milan host the Bianconeri on October 29, but Kaka is wary of looking too far ahead.

"We will be at home which will be important, but this isn't the right time to think about them," added the 23-year-old.

"Milan have games against Palermo and Empoli first."

And the Brazilian does not see Juventus' loss of inspirational midfielder Patrick Vieira for the game as a crucial factor.

"Nothing will change without Vieira. What have Juventus got that we haven't? Five points.."

Udinese strikers David Di Michele and Antonio Di Natale have made a public apology for their behaviour during Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Werder Bremen in the Champions League.

The apology came after the pair were dragged before director general of the club Pietro Leonardo for a one-and-a-half hour meeting.

"I apologise to everyone in the dressing room," said a humble Di Michele, who had vented his fury on the touchline after being substituted.

"To my team-mates, in particular to Treviso Barreto who replaced me, to the technical staff, to the club, to the supporters and to everybody who saw the match. I'll accept whatever punishments the club decides upon."

And Di Natale also said he was sorry for a provocative goal celebration aimed at coach Serse Cosmi when he scored the equaliser.

"I have apologised - particularly to the coach, who understood. I will not make the same mistake again."

Roma striker Vincenzo Montella has stirred up things ahead of his side's derby in the Italian capital on Sunday by calling Lazio forward Paolo Di Canio a "provoker".

Montella also added fuel to the fire by suggesting that Di Canio is not as good as he was, heaping praise instead on strike partner Francesco Totti.

"I am happy to play with Totti," the Giallorossi forward told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "I know less about Di Canio. He was a great player.

"From what I see, he likes to provoke people. Totti, instead, is a nice guy and a great player."

Scans on the heel of Andriy Shevchenko reveal that the injury he picked up against PSV on Wednesday are not as serious as was first feared...former Italian international Giuseppe Signori signs for Hungarian minnows Sopron..Serie B outfit Torino are considering a move for Sampdoria striker Fabio Bazzani.