AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli admits they weren't at their best for Tuesday night's 0-0 draw with Sassuolo.

Pioli admits Milan struggled to employ their own game on the evening.

"We lacked lucidity, we had to read some situations better. We had a good start, we were quite brilliant, but when Sassuolo sat deep and we had too many players going forward when we had no space," Pioli told DAZN.

“We didn't have enough quality, especially in movements, so the game became dirty, with many fouls and interruptions."

Pioli introduced Charles De Ketelaere from the bench in the second-half.

“I must manage my players. With (Divock) Origi and (Ante) Rebic we could have had different options," explained Pioli.

“Charles can play as a false nine, but also as a nine. Sometimes we missed the final pass and we were in too much of a rush. After minute 70 we played like there was a minute remaining, but we had more time.

“We must have more awareness of our positions, we want to win, but we can't be frenetic because it leads to lacking quality.

“We are a mature team, we should be able to manage these situations better and make better choices," continued Pioli.

“I didn't like the game much, there were many interruptions. I like the rhythm and intensity, but they [referees] keep whistling a lot."