Bonucci told he has to step up

– Coach Vincenzo Montella wants captain Leonardo Bonucci (above) to improve his leadership skills as AC Milan host Roma in a crucial Serie A clash this weekend.

Montella’s side fell to their second defeat of the Serie A campaign against Sampdoria last weekend.

They then struggled to a lastgasp 3-2 win over Croatians Rijeka in Europa League action at the San Siro on Thursday, after throwing away a two-goal lead.

“I was a little fired up with Leonardo Bonucci, as he is the captain and should set the example on how to control a lead, but it was an affectionate telling-off,” said Montella.

Bonucci arrived at the San Siro during the summer for €40 million after helping Juventus win six consecutive titles.

The 30-year-old immediately stepped into the role of captain.

But two losses have left Milan trailing in sixth, six points adrift of leaders Napoli and Juventus and four off city rivals Inter Milan.

Roma – in fifth – are just ahead of Milan but with a game in hand.

Eusebio di Francesco’s side have lost just once this season and are coming off a midweek Champions League win at Qarabag which put them second in Group D behind Barcelona.

Inter Milan’s Luciano Spalletti has problems in defence with Belgian youngster Zinho Vanheusden suffering a cruciate ligament injury which requires surgery.

Juventus follow their midweek 3-1 Champions League win over Olympiakos with a trip to Atalanta, who were held 1-1 in their Europa League fixture at Lyon.

Bosnian midfielder Miralem Pjanic is a doubt for the champions after pulling up with a thigh muscle strain before Wednesday’s game in Turin. – AFP