AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri drew some satisfaction from their 1-1 draw with Parma.

Stephan El Shaarawy opened the scoring and there were several chances to double their tally, but Daniele Galloppa's free kick burst through the defensive wall to equalise.

"In the first half we held possession well, albeit creating barely anything. After the break we found more space and created a great deal," said Allegri after the 1-1 draw.

"The wall should not have broken apart like that to let the ball through. El Shaarawy isn't even 20 yet, so it's only natural he's improving from last season. His qualities are his eye for goal, but also his strength, stamina and pace.

"It's a shame we didn't win, as we could comfortably have taken home all three points, but didn't finish off the game and were punished on a set play.

"It wasn't a bad performance, but we had to win and did not manage it. On Wednesday we have an important match against Zenit and we need the victory."