Cagliari coach Claudio Ranieri admits they were outclassed by AC Milan on Saturday.

Cagliari remain in relegation danger after the 5-1 hammering.

Ranieri said: “The result seems a little harsh, but Milan scored five goals because they are talented. We were a bit too timid in the first half and should've tried to cause them more problems.

“In the second half, we pushed harder, created chances, hit the woodwork and forced saves, but then Leao and Theo Hernandez ran riot in those open spaces, we knew they could hurt us in those situations.

“We knew this was a Joker in the pack, whatever happened we would accept it. For long spells we did play well, albeit without the confidence to attack them, as by the time we did the spaces had opened up and they took full advantage. They cut into us like a knife through butter.

“It's a pity, as we could've made more of our situations, especially a counter-attack where Zito Luvumbo passed it backwards rather than sending Shomurodov on goal. He's young, but very talented and still learning.

“I feel like we scored the right number of goals this season, but conceded a few too many for my liking."