AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri believes Saturday's game against Juventus could prove crucial in the Serie A title race.

Allegri: Expecting a beautiful match

The Rossoneri are one point clear of unbeaten Juventus ahead of next weekend's mouthwatering clash at the San Siro, although the Turin club have a game in hand.

"I expect Saturday's game to be a beautiful match," Allegri said to www.acmilan.com. "It's going to be a fascinating encounter that could decide the title.

"Our only focus is on Saturday's game.

"We are in the race for the Scudetto and we are virtually two points behind Juventus."

Juve will play their game in hand at Bologna on March 7 after the encounter was postponed earlier this month due to heavy snow.

Allegri, meanwhile, will be hoping to have the team's leading scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic available on Saturday.

The Sweden striker will learn later this week whether he has been successful in getting the three-match ban he received for violent conduct reduced.

His absence has not hindered Milan so far, though. The Rossoneri won 2-1 at Udinese before beating Cesena 3-1 at the Stadio Dino Manuzzi yesterday.

"I will find out on Thursday if I will have Ibrahimovic available," Allegri said. "The team has understood the importance of this challenging period and especially the concept that if we don't play like a team, we cannot win games."