AC Milan fullback Daniele Bonera is delighted with his comeback.

Bonera was pleased to have come through an "important test" in Sunday's goalless draw at Bologna.

The Italy international made his first league start in almost a year at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara and helped the Rossoneri keep a clean sheet, although the stalemate allowed Milan's city rivals Inter to open up a 10-point lead at the Serie A summit.

Bonera said: "I am back after 11 months. It was a reward for my perseverance and all the sacrifices I have made in this long time away from the field.

"My performance was a demonstration of the fact that I'm fine. This was an important test for me."

Milan could have snatched the three points but were twice frustrated by the woodwork.

"The team was a bit unlucky on some occasions," added Bonera. "We just think about playing well, think about ourselves and do not look at the standings too much."