UPDATE 1-Soccer-Milan stay defiant amid fan protests

* Around 100 Milan fans protest at first day of training

* Owner Berlusconi says side remains strongest in Italy

(recasts with details on protests)

By Mark Meadows

MILAN, July 6 (Reuters) - AC Milan fans protested against the club's hierarchy at the first day of pre-season training on Monday after owner Silvio Berlusconi said the team remained the strongest in Italy.

Around 100 supporters outside the training ground chanted slogans and held up banners criticising the club's transfer policy following the sale of Kaka to Real Madrid and the lack of big name signings during the close season.

Brazil defender Thiago Silva, signed in January but ineligible to play competitive games until the season starts in August, will replace retired centre back Paolo Maldini but otherwise Milan have only recruited promising youngsters.

"No one in Italy from a technical point of view has a squad as strong as ours... not even champions Inter," Berlusconi told Gazzetta dello Sport.