AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli was delighted after their 5-1 thumping of Cagliari.

Ismael Bennacer, Christian Pulisic (2), Tijjani Reijnders and Rafael Leao struck for the 5-1 win.

Pioli said: “It is very important, because we were not accustomed to going this long without a victory. Clearly, after Europa League elimination and defeat in the derby, we had a delicate moment and suffered in that situation.

“Being able to win tonight and improve our position in the table is important. It wasn't the greatest performance, but the lads showed sacrifice and focus to get out of this moment.

"No team managed to maintain the incredible level of performance and results that Inter did. This is a squad that gave its all, but couldn't maintain the same consistency as Inter and therefore could not stay close enough to keep it open during those decisive moments of the campaign. We also lost confidence, but Inter were a level ahead of everyone, not just us."

He added: “We are a big club, there are big expectations, so ferocious criticism is to be expected, just as ebullient praise is expected when you win. That is part of the job, you have to accept it all or you do a different profession.

“I try to help the team to overcome difficult moments and play as well as possible, sometimes it worked, sometimes I got things wrong."