AC Milan fullback Gianluca Zambrotta hopes Ronaldinho can step up in Kaka's absence for this weekend's derby.

"I don't know if Kaka will be on the field, but I hope so," said Zambrotta, fresh from a 2-0 defeat in Italy's friendly with Brazil.

"It was an entertaining game and I think it was a positive performance for all the Inter and Milan players out there.

"Ronaldinho is in good shape and we hope he can make the difference over the next few games."