AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli believes that his side will overtake Napoli and claim second place in Serie A.

Balotelli scored twice this afternoon to guide Milan past Palermo and keep the Rossoneri two points behind Napoli in the fight for Champions League qualification.

The Italian international declared that Milan showed spirit and resilience to respond in the right way after their defeat to Barcelona at Camp Nou in midweek.

He told Sky Italia: "We won, which was the important thing. It went badly in Barcelona, but we have recovered.

"How would it have been with me in Barcelona? Maybe we would've lost 8-0. We were just unlucky and there are many great champions in this team.

"It doesn't matter, we will catch Napoli next week. We must continue working as a squad. We might not play like Barcelona, but we can reach their level, as we beat them at San Siro."

Balotelli has now scored seven goals in six games since signing for Milan in January.