Giacomo Bonaventura is confident AC Milan can catch fourth-placed Inter after they made it 10 games unbeaten in all competitions with a 1-0 Serie A win over Sampdoria.
Despite Ricardo Rodriguez's missed penalty in the seventh minute, Bonaventura's 13th-minute effort proved enough for seventh-placed Milan to move level on points with Sampdoria in sixth.
Leonardo Bonucci had an effort ruled out for offside by the video assistant referee (VAR) in an eventful victory that sees Milan close to within seven points of Inter in the fourth and final Champions League qualification spot.
The Europa League would perhaps appear to be Milan's best route back into the Champions League, the Rossoneri going into the return fixture of their round-of-32 tie with Ludogorets holding a 3-0 lead from the first leg.