AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli insists victory over Sassuolo was deserved.

Milan won 1-0 on Saturday thanks to Christian Pulisic's goal.

Pioli said: "We definitely have to improve the score away from Milan, but we are making steps and I am happy with what we often show at San Siro.

"There are moments in football that must be lived with intensity and perhaps a bit of tension, we approached well, it was a bit of a slow match but it was important to win and remain compact, we did it.

"Everyone can think and say what they want, but Chris is a great player, he's scoring a lot and for a winger it's not a given, then he's a fantastic guy, I'm keeping him close."

On Theo Hernandez's performance at centre-half, he added: "He's a leader, if he always plays focused he is an incredible player. He has all the technical and physical means to also play as a central defender, he can do it well and is doing so, certainly his best game as a central defender.

"I wish a happy New Year to all the fans, we have a super Curva, we are proud."