Gattuso gives Bonucci a vote of confidence

MILAN - Beleaguered AC Milan captain Leonardo Bonucci received the backing of new coach Gennaro Gattuso on Tuesday.

Bonucci arrived at San Siro during the summer in a surprise $48 million transfer after helping Juventus win six consecutive titles.

The 30-year-old immediately stepped into the role of captain as the Chinese-owned club pushes for a Champions League return, but Bonucci has had a poor season and Milan sits outside the European places, in seventh.