AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli highlighted Hakan Calhanoglu's performance for their Europa League win over Shamrock Rovers.

Calhanoglu struck twice for the 3-2 win.

“A lot of the credit goes to him, he's a generous player with high quality, he works for the team," Pioli told DAZN.

“It's difficult to always expect two goals but I expect this type of performance. He's an exceptional guy, he has the qualities to become the protagonist."

Lorenzo Colombo, 18, was thrown into the starting line-up due to Zlatan Ibrahimovic's late withdrawal.

“He was certainly very excited, and it showed," Pioli said. “That's a good thing, he's an 18 year old boy who is called into action right before kick-off.

“He had responsibilities. He's a great guy with his head on his shoulders, the will to work hard. It's not obvious to find young people with this attitude, he knows he must work hard to improve.

“I'm very happy that he was ready and scored, like he did in the pre-season matches."