ROME, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- AC Milan "must win at all costs" at Empoli Saturday evening to stop sliding any further in the Italian Serie A soccer league, according to midfielder Cristian Brocchi.

    "We have to win because Milan deserve a higher place in the table", said Brocchi.

¡¡¡¡The troubled giants suffered their third successive defeat last weekend, going down 1-2 to AS Roma.

    They are a lowly 16th in the Serie A standings after starting the season at -8 because of the club's role in the Calciopoli referee-rigging scandal.

    Coach Carlo Ancelotti is under intense pressure. Pundits predict he will be fired if the club does not hit the minimum target of finishing fourth and qualifying for next season's Champions League.

    Nevertheless, he called on his players to have faith in their abilities Friday and not to "feed the fear".

    Empoli (8th) are unbeaten in five outings and could be tricky opponents for a Milan side low on confidence, the reports said.