Team News: Giampaolo Pazzini starts for AC Milan

AC Milan have named Giampaolo Pazzini in their starting lineup for this afternoon's Serie A clash against Sampdoria.

The 29-year-old comes in for Mario Balotelli, who suffered a shoulder injury in midweek.

Riccardo Saponara replaces Kaka in midfield, while Marco Amelia starts in goal in place of the ill Christian Abbiati.

Meanwhile, Sampdoria manager Sinisa Mihajlovic makes four changes to his side after last weekend's 3-0 defeat against Roma.

Nenad Krsticic, Andrea Costa, Michele Fornasier and Pedro Obiang are the players who come into the starting XI.

Sampdoria: Da Costa, Fornasier, Mustafi, Regini, Costa, Palombo, Obiang, Gabbiadini, Krsticic, Wszolek, Eder

Milan: Amelia, Abate, Rami, Zaccardo, Constant, Montolivo, Muntari, Honda, Saponara, Taarabt, Pazzini