AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini has praised his players after their victory over Sampdoria.
Maldini said: "We have to get used to doing without some players like Pirlo, who is nearly irreplaceable for Milan, a great player.
"We have managed to make these positive results without him.
"Andrea is a player among the best in the world in his role and for this reason we must have viable alternatives - which is actually now happening."