AC Milan coach Rino Gattuso has hit back at his critics over their form slump.

The Rossoneri face Sampdoria fresh from two consecutive defeats to Inter Milan and Real Betis.

Gattuso said, “We are coming off two smacks in the face, but we're not dead. I am not dead and buried, some of you still have to understand that. It hurts when there are defeats, but I know how much I can still give to these club colours.

“The other day, we didn't manage any of the things we'd prepared and that's the regret. I want to see a side with character and the desire to fight back, because it can do so much better.

“I have to analyse these performances and figure out why we're playing with the handbrake on. We've got to find something more on an individual level."