AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri was delighted with Maxi Lopez after victory at Udinese.

This was the first Milan game without Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who begins his three-match ban, but Maxi Lopez came off the bench to score one and set up another for Stephan El Shaarawy.

"Of course Ibra's absence is sorely felt, though today we had players with different characteristics," explained Allegri.

"Maxi Lopez gave us depth and did very well today. I don't know if the result is crucial, but it is certainly important. For now we are top of the table and must await Juventus."