Ignazio Abate has told AC Milan teammates to 'man up' after defeat to Lazio.

Milan now risk being sucked into the relegation.

"We didn't have a great first half, but Lazio found themselves 3-0 up without doing that much," Ignazio told Milan Channel.

"In any case, we didn't do enough and have to roll our sleeves up, as we cannot slide into certain areas of the table. We mustn't get involved in these battles, seeing as we are unaccustomed to fighting for certain objectives.

"We have to get unified again and try to play simple football, playing on the counter and taking a provincial approach until we can get a few positive results under our belts.

"There was a fightback from our pride towards the end when we went from 3-0 down to 3-2, but we shouldn't have to concede three in order to get that reaction. We must emerge from this difficult moment like men."