Leonardo is still trying to understand how his AC Milan players threw away their two-goal lead against Napoli in midweek.

The Rossoneri appeared to be heading for a comfortable victory in Naples but goals in the dying seconds from Luca Cigarini and German Denis knocked them sideways.

The result brought a fresh barrage of criticism for Leonardo and his players, who have struggled for consistency in Serie A so far.

They must now pick themselves up for tomorrow's visit of Parma, and Leonardo is confident they will produce a positive reponse in the familiar surroundings of the San Siro.

"Our self-esteem remains the same and the players are happy," said the Brazilian.

"Of course there is still a bitter taste from the two points we dropped, but there is a belief in what we're doing and in our play.

"Milan are a team built to keep on trying and sometimes that leaves gaps on the pitch, so we need to find a bit of balance.

"The idea is to keep a tight line but also reserve our energy."

Milan are already nine points adrift of leaders and bitter rivals Inter, and they can expect another difficult test this weekend against a Parma side one place above them in the table.

But Leonardo refuses to rule his club out of the title race just yet.

"The game against Napoli has not changed anything despite the draw at the end," he added. "I can see the team are still motivated.

"It is difficult to see which way the title race will go and the league is wide open as seen in the matches this week.

"Tomorrow is one of those games where anything can happen. Parma will arrive in good form and will give their all."

Ignazio Abate, whose dismissal against Napoli in midweek helped spark Milan's downfall, is suspended for tomorrow's clash.

The Rossoneri are also without the injured Daniele Bonera, Davide Di Gennaro, Christian Abbiati, Oguchi Onyewu, Marco Storari, Marek Jankulovski and Alessandro Nesta.

Parma have taken the league by surprise since their promotion from Serie B at the end of last season.

Five victories in 10 matches, including a 2-0 success over Bari in midweek, has lifted Parma into the top four.

Francesco Guidolin's men hold a one-point advantage over tomorrow's opponents and there have already been whispers about how far Parma can go this season.

But the club's general director Pietro Leonardi is determined his players will keep their feet firmly on the ground.

"I don't want to talk about any other aims than avoiding the drop," said Leonardi.

"The only thing I can say is that each week we are getting closer to our aim of collecting at least 40 points to defend our Serie A status."

Parma will face Milan without McDonald Mariga, Stefano Russo, Andrea Pisanu, Jonathan Biabiany and Luca Antonelli.