By Mike Price

SASSUOLO, Italy, May 26  (Reuters)  - Giro d'Italia leader Laurent Jalabert believes Italian rival Marco Pantani will be in charge of the race when it runs into the Milan finish a week from Sunday.

As Wednesday's 170 km 12th stage from Cesenatico ended in yet another sprint, with Mario Cipollini taking his victory tally to three against the two of fellow Italian Ivan Quaranta and Dutchman Jeroen Blijlevens, Jalabert said: "My objective is not to win the Giro. I will be content to finish second in Milan. That would be a good result. Marco Pantani is my tip.

The Frenchman predicted a big scrap for his leader's pink jersey in Thursday's haul across the Appennines and the really tough mountains stages ahead.

"The only thing I fear is having an off-day but so far I am satisfied with all I have achieved, he added.

Jalabert, who finished in the pack, still heads Pantani by four seconds but knows the severe climbs of the Dolomites next week will favor the Mercatone Uno team leader above all others.

Saeco team rider Cipollini, chasing the record 41 stage wins of Alfredo Binda, was under pressure on Wednesday.

"Because my team has other objectives, I had only three of our riders to assist me in the finish, he said. On the first day at Modica I was on my own too soon and lost to Quaranta.

"On Wednesday, I had the same problem, but I followed another fast finisher and was able to make it."

Cipollini had to come from fourth to outflank Quaranta and Blijlevens for his 28th win in 10 Giros and hopes to survive the tough days ahead to score again in five days' time.

The run from the Adriatic coast across the plains of the Po valley was highlighted by a breakaway that started with three men but eventually came down to Gianluca Sironi leading for 68 km before he was overhauled 19 km from the finish.