Nigel de Jong has claimed that AC Milan's target this season must be to qualify for the Champions League.

Filippo Inzaghi's side are currently seventh in Serie A, just two points behind Lazio in third, and De Jong is hopeful that Milan have found the right approach to beat their rivals for a place in Europe's elite club competition.

"My goal this year is to reach the Champions League with Milan," the Dutch midfielder told reporters. "That is where Milan belongs and is what we're going to try to do this year to reach those places.

"We have to work hard to reach those places, but with the confidence that we have and the work methods we use, we have to reach those places."

Milan, who return to Serie A action against Sassuolo on January 6, beat Real Madrid 4-2 in a friendly in Dubai on Tuesday.