AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti was delighted with Mathieu Flamini's debut in this week's friendly against Cremonese.

"The first match of the season was a good test," Ancelotti said. "We played with commitment and showed good desire and concentration.

"I saw good signs, particularly because the squad showed continuity. In my opinion our preparations have started in the best possible way.

"Flamini is a complete player who can be used in the defensive phase as well as the offensive phase.

"For those of us who already know him, he isn't a gamble but a certainty."

Ancelotti was also pleased with the showing of young defender Luca Antonini, back at Milan after a year away with Empoli.

"Antonini has showed that he does better at the back and I think that he can also do well as a winger," Ancelotti stressed.

"He must understand the needs of the team but he provided great dynamism and a lot of will."