Rino Gattuso insists AC Milan are not on the slide. The midfielder is confident the Rossoneri will bounce back next season, despite two years of disappointment.

Gattuso said: "As long as there is Silvio Berlusconi I am optimistic.

"This year there was the problem of injuries and in recent years we have not been competitive enough to win the Scudetto. We must return to being competitive and not wait 2-3 months to suddenly spring into life."

Asked about coach Carlo Ancelotti, Gattuso added: "He has a contract until 2010 and the club wants him to continue."