Milan will not be distracted by negative press or the uncertainty over Leonardo's future ahead their game against Atalanta.

Club vice-president Adriano Galliani this week gave Leonardo a vote of confidence amid reports the Brazilian, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti at the Rossoneri helm over the summer, has lost the support of his dressing room.

A disappointing start to the Serie A campaign was compounded by the midweek 1-0 home loss to FC Zurich in the Champions League, but wing-back Ignazio Abate has promised the team will not be thinking about anything on Sunday other than picking up three points in Bergamo.

He told the Milan Channel: "Adriano Galliani is close to us and made us feel the trust of the whole club. We must not think of the voices surrounding us because they only hurt.

"Against Atalanta we need to have the same anger that they have. I've also played in teams that fought against relegation and they made speed their strong point.

"Atalanta may be organised - like Bari. There will be struggles but I'm sure we can do better."

Milan were held to a goalless draw by Bari at the San Siro last Sunday, highlighting a problem in front of goal - they have notched just once in their last five league games.

Leonardo's side head into the weekend in 11th spot on eight points, having collected two wins in six Serie A encounters.

Abate believes the midweek European game showed signs the Rossoneri are on the right track - despite the result.

"We are sad about the defeat, we are very angry in fact," said the 22-year-old.

"Compared to the match with Bari we made a step forward because even though we didn't play well we at least created chances.

"We must have faith and continue working hard during the week like we are already doing.

"We need some optimism around us. We have to do well to get the fans on our side. In important clubs like ours when things go bad the fans whistle but they can also take you high when there are victories."

Milan will be without Daniele Bonera, Davide Di Gennaro, Christian Abbiati, Marco Borriello and Thiago Silva for the Lombardy derby, while Edgar Barreto, Leonardo Talamonti, Ferreira Pinto will be missing for hosts Atalanta.

Atalanta lie in the bottom three in the standings and are without a win all season, but things are looking up for the Bergamaschi outfit.

Sunday's 1-1 draw at Chievo marked their second positive result since Antonio Conte took over the reins of the team from Angelo Gregucci.

And Conte insists tomorrow's visitors will hold no fear for his side.

"The game against Milan is easier than the games we have played so far," said Conte. "We will play against a top team and we have nothing to lose.

"My players will be able to find on their own the right determination to go into the game."