ROME: Real Madrid star Kaka has backed his former team-mate Ronaldinho to succeed at AC Milan this season.

Since the Italians sold Kaka to Real in the summer, the spotlight has shone brighter on Ronaldinho and much is expected of him this season.

Without his Brazilian compatriot in the team, Ronaldinho will be expected to provide the creative spark that Milan will need this season to challenge at home and in Europe.

And Kaka told Thursday's Gazzetta dello Sport that his countryman can handle the pressure.

"He does that well, it motivates him. I saw him go through many things at the 2002 World Cup (which Brazil won) and every time I saw him react to the pressure," Kaka said.

"Under pressure, Dinho delivers."

That pressure piled up on Ronaldinho and Milan during pre-season when the club had a torrid spell, losing eight out of 11 matches.

But they bounced back on the opening day of the season, winning 2-1 at Siena and next up is their city derby against champions Inter Milan.

And Kaka believes his former team-mates can continue their winning start.

"Milan will win 2-0 with a goal from Pato and assist by Dinho or even Thiago Silva, then a second from (Alessandro) Nesta," he predicted.