Paulo Fonseca has no intention of changing a winning side, believing continuity is the key for Milan as they prepare to face Fiorentina.

Milan went without a win in their first three Serie A matches under Fonseca, but look to have found their groove in the league after winning each of the last three. 

The Portuguese head coach is aiming to rack up four consecutive Serie A wins for just the second time in his career (after July-August 2020 with Roma), but Milan do go into this match on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.

Fonseca looks set to stick with the side which won the derby with Inter and also beat Lecce last time out, meaning a return to the starting lineup for Spanish striker Alvaro Morata, who started on the bench against the Bundesliga champions. 

"Continuity is important right now," Fonseca told reporters.

"If the squad is in good form, it's important to keep as many players as possible in the 11 starters. That's not because I don't have faith in the others, but right now, I believe it is important to have a base.

"Morata is fine, he will play [on Sunday]."

Fonseca's stance means Strahinja Pavlovic will likely remain on the bench, despite the Serbian defender impressing when he played the full 90 minutes in the three league games prior to the derby.

"It is important to have stability mainly in defence," Fonseca added. "[Matteo] Gabbia and [Fikayo] Tomori have played some great games and I think Pavlovic must continue to work because he will have opportunities," Fonseca said.

"The two central players, Gabbia and Tomori, are doing well, and I think it's important to continue like this."

Milan were outplayed in the first half against Leverkusen on Tuesday, having only one shot compared to the hosts' 10, with six of those shots on target, though they did improve after conceding early in the second half.

The Rossoneri have now won just one of their last seven away Champions League games, also drawing three and losing three, so despite their positive league run, Fonseca is still looking for big improvements in his squad.

"Leverkusen are one of the strongest teams in Europe. We are in a period of growth," he said.

"Winning against Inter and Lecce doesn't mean we have arrived, we need to grow a lot. We are improving, but we have a lot more to improve. The real Milan is not yet close. We have to do more.

"We can have the same attitude as in the second half in Germany, but maybe the way of playing will be different because Fiorentina mark man to man, so our style will be different."

AC Milan head coach Paulo Fonseca has confirmed that Youssouf Fofana is the club's primary target this transfer window.

Since taking over the Rossoneri last month, the 51-year-old has made three signings, welcoming Alvaro Morata, Strahinja Pavlovic and Emerson Royal to the club. However, they have yet to bring in a midfielder.

Milan have reportedly been in talks with Monaco as they aim to come to an agreement for the Frenchman, who has impressed since joining them in 2020.

He played 32 games in Ligue 1 last season, creating the second-most chances (40) among midfielders while also completing the most passes (1444).

And when asked about Milan's transfer plans in midfield, Fonseca gave a very succinct answer: "It's Fofana, we all know that."

Fonseca is also keen to keep hold of returning talent, with Alexis Saelemaekers back after a successful loan spell at Bologna last season as he helped them secure Champions League football.

He scored in their final pre-season game against Monza on Tuesday, and his head coach was pleased with his performance.

"He can play well in different roles. He works hard defensively, and he can do important things up front," Fonseca said. "I really like him, and I hope he stays."

Meanwhile, Rafael Leao had a mixed season for Milan last year as he only scored nine goals, his lowest tally for three years, but provided nine assists.

Often pulled up for not being willing to track back for his defensive duties, Leao has been backed by his new boss to show a different side when the new season gets underway. 

"He seems more open to playing for the team. We work well together and always chat," Fonseca added. "I don't know if he will be better or worse than last season, but surely he'll be a different player."

Milan have announced the signing of Strahinja Pavlovic from Salzburg on a four-year contract.

The Rossoneri have brought him in for a reported fee of €18million, with the option for the Serbian to extend his stay by another year.

Pavlovic joined Salzburg in July 2022, helping the team to the Austrian Bundesliga title in his first campaign.

He then made 26 starts for Salzburg last season as they secured a second-place finish in the league, netting three goals, all of which were headers.

The defender is Paulo Fonseca's second major signing since replacing Stefano Pioli at Milan, following Alvaro Morata to San Siro.