AC Milan fullback Ignazio Abate has paid tribute to coach Rino Gattuso.

Abate was delighted to defeat Bologna on Monday night.

“I want to thank my coach Gattuso, I know he respects me," Abate told Sky Sport Italia.

“Those who have played less this year are prepared to come in and give their all. At the same time though, we can't deny that we are in a bad moment, mentally.

“Since the derby, we have lost our nerve. In situations like this, you must keep calm, you must match the opponents in determination and not lose your cool.

“This was a tight game; we've dropped too many points this season. Taking just five points out of our last 21 away from home is far too few."