Christian Vieri will make his debut for Milan in Tuesday’s Champions League opener against Fenerbahce.

Vieri, who has missed Milan’s opening two Serie A games due to suspension, will replace Alberto Gilardino and parner European Footballer of the Year Shevchenko

“Vieri will certainly play, he is the most fresh and also therefore fired up and in good shape. I am convinced he will do well,” said the Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Vieri joined Milan on a free transfer during the close-season after being released by rivals Inter.

Gilardino, signed from Parma, has yet to make an impression at Milan, although Ancelotti is convinced the best is yet to come from the striker.

“His performances are improving and if he doesn’t play on Tuesday then it is no reflection on his performance against Siena because I liked what I saw,” Ancelotti said.

“Goals are important for a striker but a coach looks at everything. He hasn’t played enough games yet to start talking about a drought. We all have faith in him.”