Vinzenzo Montella has urged AC Milan fans to get behind goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in Thursday's Europa League game against Universitatea Craiova.
Donnarumma, 18, will make his first appearance at the San Siro since turning down the club's offer of a new contract only to later change his mind and commit to a new four-year deal.
His initial snub angered Milan supporters, but coach Montella wants them to unite behind him, with a crowd of up to 65,000 expected for the club's first home European fixture since March 2014.
"He has grown a lot this summer because he has had to cope with lots of stresses and strains, and I've seen him mature even more," Montella told a news conference.
"I hope that the right level of recognition comes from the fans, and that they show him the usual affection. He needs it, and it's only right that he gets it."
Montella added that he had yet to choose who would be the club's captain this season, with new signing Leonardo Bonucci tipped to take over from Riccardo Montolivo.
"In the past, it was kind of imposed by the club, but the new owners have asked me to pick a new captain for our new beginning," he said.
"I still have to finalise my evaluations, but if the right man cannot take to the field, then I will refer to the former hierarchy.
"Besides, we already have a commission within the dressing room of players who represent the group's thoughts."
Milan lead their Romanian opponents 1-0 from the first leg and will be confident of booking their place in the Europa League playoff, the draw for which takes place on Friday.