Team News: Stephan El Shaarawy returns to AC Milan side for Verona test

Stephan El Shaarawy has returned to the starting lineup for AC Milan's meeting with Hellas Verona in Serie A this afternoon.

The Italian forward was used as a substitute in the 2-0 win over Chievo before the international break, but he has been preferred to Jeremy Menez by head coach Filippo Inzaghi.

There's also a recall for Michael Essien, who starts alongside Nigel de Jong and Sulley Muntari in the centre of the Milan midfield.

Verona head coach Andrea Mandorlini, whose side can climb above Milan with a victory, elects to start with Bosko Jankovic in an attempt to provide support for veteran striker Luca Toni.

Verona: Rafael; Moras, Marquez, Marques, Agostini; Ionita, Tachtsidis, Hallfredsson; Gomez Taleb, Toni, Jankovic

AC Milan: Abbiati; Abate, Alex, Rami, De Sciglio; Poli, Essien, Muntari; Honda, Torres, El Shaarawy