AC Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati has claimed that Mario Balotelli is determined to fight his way into the team for Sunday's derby against Inter Milan.

The controversial striker is yet to make his competitive debut for the Serie A outfit following his season-long loan move to San Siro from Liverpool last month.

During the international break, Balotelli scored one goal and made an assist during a friendly against third-tier Italian side Mantova.

"Balo is a great guy, he just has to follow the few rules we have in the dressing room," Gazzetta World quotes Abbiati as saying.

"If he mas made mistakes, they have all happened off the field. He has looked good in training and I can see that he really wants to face Inter."

Balotelli left Milan to join Liverpool just one year ago.