Team News: Mario Balotelli starts for AC Milan

AC Milan manager Clarence Seedorf has named Mario Balotelli in the starting lineup for this afternoon's Serie A meeting with Parma.

There was speculation that he could be replaced by Giampaolo Pazzini after their 4-1 defeat in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid, but he continues as the lone forward.

Kaka will support him in attack, Riccardo Montolivo returns to the midfield in place of Adel Taarabt, and Philippe Mexes comes back into the defence.

Parma have handed a start to Ezequiel Schelotto, with Raffaele Palladino dropping to the bench.

Antonio Cassano and Jonathan Biabiany will support him in a front three, as they look to extend their unbeaten run of 15 league games.

Gabriel Paletta is suspended for the visitors, so Felipe replaces him in the centre of defence.

Milan: Abbiati, Abate, Bonera, Mexes, Emanuelson, Essien, De Jong, Montolivo, Poli, Kaka, Balotelli

Parma: Mirante, Cassani, Lucarelli, Felipe, Molinaro, Acquah, Marchionni, Parolo, Biabiany, Cassano, Schelotto