AC Milan midfielder Antonio Nocerino is proud to wear the Number 8 shirt for the Rossoneri in the upcoming 2012-13 season.

The Italy international has been given the number left vacant following the departure of Milan legend Gennaro Gattuso to Sion at the end of last season.

Nocerino is flattered to wear the shirt made famous by Gattuso and is confident that he can follow in the footsteps of his compatriot at San Siro.

"When we played the last match at San Siro against Novara, Rino told me he would be pleased if I took his old number, and that is what has happened," Nocerino told Milan Channel.

"I am happy because Rino is a dear friend, who last year helped me a lot. It is an important, historic shirt and I will do the best I can when wearing it."

Nocerino joined Milan from Palermo last summer and has established himself as a key midfielder in Massimiliano Allegri's team.