Minnows Alessandria are now just one step away from the Coppa Italia final, and they will certainly not be lacking motivation when they host AC Milan in the first semi-final leg.

But, with the Rossoneri having raised their form of late, they will fancy their chances of winning at Stadio Giuseppe Moccagatta.

One of Italy’s oldest clubs have endured some tough times at the start of the 21st century, but they appear to be finally returning to the right track.

I Grigi have mounted a serious promotion challenge in Lega Pro, meaning they could be playing Serie B football again next year, but it was their Coppa Italia performances that have been stealing the headlines.

Alessandria defied the odds to beat Serie A sides Palermo and Genoa on the road, before enjoying an away triumph over Serie B outfit Spezia to reach the competition semi-finals.

I Grigi are once again considered underdogs as they prepare to meet AC Milan, but we wouldn’t bet against them claiming another major scalp.

Alessandria ended a three-match winless run in Lega Pro by defeating Cuneo at the weekend, and that win wil serve as an additional boost ahead of the clash against the Rossoneri.

Right-sided defender Vedran Celjak misses out through suspension, but there are no other selection worries for coach Angelo Gregucci.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Vannucchi – Picone, Sosa, Sirri, Sperotto – Branca, Loviso, Nicco – Marras, Marconi, Fischnaller.

Jury is still out on AC Milan boss Sinisa Mihajlovic, who hasn’t quite managed to repeat the success he enjoyed with Sampdoria at San Siro.

In spite of the heavy summer spending, the Rossoneri are virtually out of the race for a top 3 finish, while they will have to work hard to secure Europa League berth as well.

The team have shown some improvement since the coach switched to 4-4-2 formation, with Carlos Bacca and M’Baye Niang establishing a promising attacking partnership and Keisuke Honda finally given a chance to shine.

Following the Coppa Italia triumph over Carpi, AC Milan went on to defeat Fiorentina at home before sharing spoils with Empoli on the road and they can now be backed at 1.57 (4/7) to see off Alessandria.

Coach Sinisa Mihajlovic is unlikely to make too many changes to his starting line-up, with only Christian Abbiati and Juraj Kucka expected to be drafted into the side.

Fit-again Mario Balotelli is again set to start on the bench, but he is almost certain to come on in the second period of the game.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Abbiati – Abate, Romagnoli, Zapata, De Sciglio – Honda, Montolivo, Kucka, Bonaventura – Niang, Bacca.