Saturday's 1-1 draw against Reggina left the Rossoneri eight points behind Serie A leaders Inter heading into this weekend's Milan derby.

''The important thing for us is not to give any more easy points away,'' said Pato. ''I am certain we can still win the Scudetto. Inter are an organised team but Milan are stronger.''

The Rossoneri go into Sunday's sold-out encounter at the San Siro having to do without team's top scorer, Kaka.

The Brazilian playmaker, who scored the winner in Milan's last victory at Inter back in 2005, is sidelined for two weeks with a knee injury.

Kaka's absence will put more pressure on Pato, who has struck 10 goals this season for AC Milan, one fewer than compatriot Kaka.

Carlo Ancelotti's men are third in the standings, one point behind Juventus, that host struggling Sampdoria on Sunday.