Veteran Italian coach Claudio Ranieri has recalled working with Stefano Pioli.

Pioli has guided AC Milan to the top of the Serie A table in the final stretch of the season.

Ranieri recalled: "I coached him for two years, but at that time it was difficult to predict anything about everyone.

"Stefano was good and very serious.

"Well, there are players to whom you have to explain a concept ten times and then maybe they get it wrong anyway, while for him it was enough once and he already knew how to put it into practice. "