AC Milan striker Gianluca Lapadula has played down his clash with M'Baye Niang on Sunday.

He argued with Niang about who should take a penalty against Crotone, with Niang missing before Lapadula's winner from open play.

“Last year at Pescara I didn't even get to hit a penalty," the forward explained to Tiki Taka.

“I never wanted to either, but yesterday I really wanted to get a goal at San Siro. I was wrong, I apologise to Niang because he's the taker and then he was whistled.

“I put more pressure on him than necessary, and that wasn't my intention."

Lapadula then discussed his form, as well as that of the team as a whole.

“It's a very positive period, but I also like to remember the period before this which was even more important.

“I was injured, I wasn't playing and for many I wasn't worthy of Milan. At that point I realised I had to start my season, and it has come to this.

“Can Milan win the Scudetto? I've always tackled League seasons by thinking one game at a time. I think we'll do so again this year, then after that we'll see. Not to mention there's the Supercoppa on the horizon."