Christian Abbiati is chasing the No1 spot at AC Milan after an impressive preseason.

The experienced goalkeeper said: "In a little less than a month the championship will start. It's important to start well, I'm training well and will try to make the most of any opportunities that come.

"When I returned to Milan I said I was motivated and certainly the positive performances help to keep morale high, but I am aware that it will not be easy to win a starting place because Milan has three excellent goalkeepers.

"To improve, however, there is always time and I think that the coach is looking at how we work in training in this period before the beginning of the championship."