AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli was left pleased with their 3-1 win against Verona.

Theo Hernandez, Christian Pulisic and Samuel Chukwueze struck for the visitors.

“I want to start by sending all the best to Joe Barone, hoping that he can get through this as quickly as possible. We interpreted the match in the right way, but could've been more alert on the rebound for their goal," said Pioli. "We remained united as a team, created lots of scoring opportunities and ran hard. Considering we were coming off another game in Europe on Thursday, I think it was very positive."

Pioli also took aim at Verona coach Marco Barone after he misinterpreted Theo's goal celebration.

“It's not right, because Theo always celebrates with that 'talk talk' gesture, it was not a protest, nor a lack of respect towards the opposition fans. The Verona coach sparked a misunderstanding, a discussion, but Theo did nothing wrong and now we have a player suspended, so that damages Milan.

“I think coaches ought to talk to their players and leave other team's players alone."

He added: “We studied our opponents carefully and know they have a lot of pace in the side, so we wanted players with similar characteristics.

“Chukwueze is in his first Serie A season, where the demands upon him are certainly different to those he had at Villarreal. He is working hard and trying, but sometimes people rush to judge players. I am glad for the goal and that he is coming on with the right attitude when called upon.

“We have the necessary patience to wait for all our players to develop."