ROME, Nov 24: Brazilian superstar Ronaldo will make his first appearance of the season for AC Milan by starting Sunday’s match at Cagliari, coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed on Saturday.

Ronaldo has had an injury blighted start to the season and is yet to get on the pitch.

He was named as a substitute against Atlanta two weeks ago but that match was abandoned after just seven minutes due to crowd trouble.

But now the former three times World Player of the Year will get the nod from the beginning.

“Ronaldo will play from the start, he is well and will finally start to make a contribution to the team,” Ancelotti told a press conference.

“We expect the same from him this year as he gave last season. He has a great desire to play.” Ronaldo made a strong impression last season after signing from Real Madrid during the January transfer window. He scored seven goals in 14 league outings and has been sorely missed this season, with Milan struggling down in 11th position and 11 points off league leaders Inter Milan -- they have failed to win in six league matches at home.

The 31-year-old will partner Italy forward Alberto Gilardino in the attack, relegating Filippo Inzaghi to the bench.

“Inzaghi had a little fever last night and therefore Gilardino will partner Ronaldo,” added Ancelotti.

The 31-year-old Ronaldo has not played since injuring his thigh at the end of July, although he did come through unscathed from a charity run-out in Malaga at the beginning of the week.

Despite starting him, Ancelotti admitted Ronaldo will not finish the game. “Ronaldo has never played for 90 minutes and he never will. He has particular characteristics and those are enough for us. “Ronaldo produces moments of great genius and that’s what we’re looking for, we are convinced that he can succeed for us.” —AFP