AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli was happy with victory over Cagliari last night.

Milan won 3-1 thanks to goals from Noah Okafor, Fikayo Tomori and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

Pioli said: “We started the match well, we could have taken the lead but we weren't clinical enough. Then we conceded a goal due to carelessness. After that, we did well to turn it around with our principles and to win a game that certainly wasn't easy.

“I started with this objective and the club did well to give me just that. I don't have a lot of players and I prefer it, but those I have are ready. In the long run, we will have the benefits of increased motivation and fewer injuries. It's not that I will make changes just because of the tight schedule, but also to keep the team's level high.

“We played a game that wasn't easy tactically. To be dangerous we had to be balanced, but some cracks showed. We controlled the game. Okafor played a very good game: he can play as a striker or as a winger in place of Leao. I have many flexible players, perhaps only Chukwueze can only play on the right. Jovic is also recovering in good condition, who gave me good sensations against Verona."

On Loftus-Cheek, he added: “Ruben is a strong player, very complete, who gives us everything: on the ball, with his runs, physicality and on inactive balls. He's very important, but he needs to be managed given that he hasn't played much in recent years."