Milan, Nov 22 (IANS): AC Milan defender Cristian Zaccardo admitted that his side need a miracle if they want to finish in the top three of the Italian Serie A this season.

The Milan side are now tenth in the standings after 12 games, 15 points behind third placed Napoli and 19 adrift of leaders Roma, a gap hard to overcome.

"The results haven't been good, but we have to remain optimistic," Zaccardo was quoted as saying by Xinhua Friday.

"We started last season poorly as well, but we're hoping the game against Genoa will be the start of our comeback," he said.

"Roma, Juventus and Napoli are travelling at a very strong pace and it will need a miracle for us to finish in the first three spots," he added.

Zaccardo's teammate Andrea Poli insisted gaining three points is the only option when AC Milan entertain Genoa Saturday.

"We have to win at all costs," he said.

"We're struggling in the league and we have to turn things around. But there's no point in talking about it - we have to do it," he added.