AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti admits few people predicted his side would top the Serie A table after their poor start.

The Rossoneri lost both their opening matches to Bologna and Genoa, prompting calls from some quarters for Ancelotti's dismissal, but recovered in spectacular style and have only dropped two points from their last seven games.

Summer signing Ronaldinho has been the fulcrum of that form, which has taken Milan to the top of the table for the first time since May 2004 when they won their last Scudetto, and he is expected to start at Lecce on Sunday.

"Admittedly, few thought after the first two games that we would be on top of the table so quickly," Ancelotti told the club's website.

"We are not racing against (second-placed) Internazionale in particular. We are racing against ourselves and pushing to get more tempo, determination and movement. We had problems and are slowly getting over them.

"Ronaldinho has been outstanding. He is a player you can expect everything from.

"But from a practical view, it´s important because he has already scored five goals this campaign."

Milan's owner Silvio Berlusconi believes his team fully deserve their lofty position, one point above Inter and Udinese, who face each other on Sunday.

"It has been a long wait to see my club lead the standings," said Berlusconi. "I believe in the Scudetto.

"We deserve to be in such a position and we always guarantee a good show. We hope we and Ronaldinho can continue like this."

Ancelotti has warned his men not to underestimate Sunday´s newly promoted opponents, who stand in the way of a fifth successive league win.

Milan have struck 14 goals in their last eight league games while only conceding three, but may still be feeling the effects of the battling victory over Braga in the UEFA Cup on Thursday, in which Ronaldinho scored a stunning late winner.

"We will go to Lecce knowing that it´s a difficult encounter," he said ."Fortunately, we rested some players in midweek so we will have fresh legs.

"The important thing is to take one game at a time and continue to play as we have done in recent games."

Ancelotti has reason to be wary as Lecce remain unbeaten at home this season.

Mario Beretta´s men have clinched nine of their 11 points in Lecce while holding the likes of Udinese and Palermo to draws.

However, Lecce´s last victory was in September 28 and the goalless stalemate at Atalanta last weekend was their fourth draw in five games. They are 13th in the standings.

The Giallorossi will be looking to repeat the heroics of their 1-0 defeat of Milan in the 2005-06 campaign.

"Milan are a great team," said Giacomazzi. "They have great players. But we know for a fact that it´s possible to beat important teams.

"The last time we met them we were able to clinch three points and it was hugely satisfying for us."

Milan will be without defenders Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Nesta, who are both out injured.