For AC Milan, with next week's all-Italian Champions League final against Juventus on the horizon, the first leg of the Italian Cup final against AS Roma on Tuesday could be seen as something of a distraction.

But although the game at Rome's Olympic stadium comes just eight days before the European final at Manchester United's Old Trafford ground, there is plenty to motivate Carlo Ancelotti's side.

Ancelotti is expected to give a final chance to Brazilians Serginho and Rivaldo to make a late bid for places in the starting line-up against Juventus.

Serginho has struggled for fitness in recent weeks while World Cup winner Rivaldo has been badly out of form and restricted to the bench.

Another member of Brazil's 2002 World Cup-winning side, defender Roque Junior has been sidelined for the bulk of the season but having come through Saturday's 3-1 Serie A victory over Bologna he could also line-up against Fabio Capello's Roma.

Ancelotti has opted to rest captain Paolo Maldini, defender Alessandro Costacurta, midfielders Gennaro Gattuso and Rui Costa and striker Filippo Inzaghi.

Despite such absentees, midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who looked back to his best against Bologna, says Milan will be focused on their task.

TESTIMONIAL MATCH

"The final at Manchester won't distract us from this final which we want to honour in the best possible way. We have come all this way and now we want to do our best to win it," said the Italy international.

There will also be a heavy Brazilian influence in the Roma line-up with the evening likely to be an emotional occasion for full back Cafu and defender Aldair.

Both players' contracts with Roma run out at the end of the season and this could be their last big game in front of their own supporters.

The 37-year-old Aldair has played 13 seasons in the maroon and yellow of Roma while Cafu, five years his junior, has been a fixture on the right flank for six seasons.

Aldair will be given a testimonial match on June 2 but says winning the Italian Cup would be the best send-off of all.

"It would be a fantastic gift to the fans who have always wished me the best and the best way of all to sign off," said Aldair.

Even without the pair next season Roma will continue to have a strong Brazilian influence in midfielders Emerson and Francisco Lima.

Having failed to make an impact on the Serie A title race this season, the Cup is the last chance for Roma to claim something from what has been a deeply disappointing season.

The second leg at San Siro will be played on May 31.