Alexandre Pato AC Milan Pictures

Alexandre Pato New Pic

Pato Tells Ronaldo: That Goal Was For You

Milan star Alexandre Pato says that he thought of Ronaldo when he scored his goal against Catania last night.

The teenage sensation gave his side the lead in Sicily on 55 minutes when he rifled home a shot into the bottom corner from long-range.

"When I celebrated, I was thinking of Ronaldo. It was a good feeling, like last year when I scored in the derby for Internacional," said Pato.

The 18-year-old's goal was not enough to gain all three points for Milan, as Gionatha Spinesi equalised on 63 minues to earn the home side a share of the spoils.

"It went quite well against Catania, I scored and I hope to continue like this," Pato told the Gazzetta dello Sport.

"However I am not happy because this goal has not brought a victory to Milan."

Pato is still working his way back to full match sharpness following a nasty ankle injury against Fiorentina a few weeks ago. 'The Duck' says that he is confident that he will be back in top form for next week's big Champions League last 16 second leg tie with Arsenal.

"After my injury I am looking to be back to my best for the match against Arsenal," Pato concluded.

The first leg at the Emirates Stadium in North London last week finished goalless.

Catania Calcio 1-1 AC Milan Highlights

55' [0 - 1] A. Pato

63' [1 - 1] G. Spinesi

AC Milan 2 - 1 Palermo Highlights

9' [0 - 1] M. Bresciano

24' [1 - 1] M. Ambrosini

90' [2 - 1] F. Inzaghi

Pato set to start

Brazilian striker Ronaldo is unavailable for the Rossoneri with a long-term knee injury.

Leaders Internazionale will be without defender Ivan Cordoba and could be without striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the game against Sampdoria in Genoa. The Colombian Cordoba's season may be over after he injured knee ligaments in Tuesday's 2-0 defeat at Liverpool in the Champions League.

Sweden's Ibrahimovic, meanwhile, has been nursing a knee tendon injury for a few weeks and could be rested by coach Roberto Mancini.

France midfielder Patrick Vieira, however, is available for the champions, who are unbeaten in Serie A this season, after serving a two-match suspension.

Midfielder Sergio Volpi is suspended for Sampdoria, who have climbed to seventh thanks to some inspirational performances by on-loan Real Madrid forward Antonio Cassano.

Brazilian defender Juan is likely to miss Roma's home game against fourth-placed Fiorentina because of an ankle knock he suffered in Tuesday's 2-1 win over Real Madrid.