Amorim evokes spirit of Baresi as he bids revive AC Milan fortunes

AFP | Milan

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New AC Milan coach Ruben Amorim vowed yesterday to honour the legacy of club legend Franco Baresi, who died last week, as he sets about reviving the fortunes of the ailing Italian giants.

Portuguese Amorim has returned to coaching after being sacked in January by Manchester United and faces a Milan derby against bitter rivals Inter in the Western Australia city of Perth on Wednesday.

Amorim's reign began with a 2-2 draw in a friendly against Celtic in Glasgow last month.

The 41-year-old's immediate target will be a top-four finish in Serie A after AC Milan missed out on the Champions League on the final day of last season.

"I feel that the group is really together," Amorim told reporters in Perth.

"The important thing is to continue with this spirit when things become difficult.

"In this club you need to win every game, so we need to keep that spirit all season."

AC Milan were boosted in the close season by veteran midfield maestro Luka Modric agreeing a one-year contract extension.

Amorim said Modric would play against Inter, having just competed at his fifth World Cup where Croatia were knocked out in the last 32 by Portugal.

"We did a lot to get him back at least for one more year," Amorim said of the former Tottenham and Real Madrid star, who turns 41 in September.