AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli was left delighted after their 2-0 win against Genoa on Friday night.

Rafael Leao and Junior Messias struck the goals for the Rossonero.

“Naturally, I saw Inter's result, but we knew that whatever happened, we would try to win every game. I think we had the right approach and hunger this evening, we ran very few risks and that is an important factor," Pioli told DAZN.

“Genoa were working hard to neutralise Tonali and make it difficult for him to get involved in the build-up play. Sandro has improved so much recently, being able to shake off close marking is the one remaining thing he needs to work on."

He added, “I ask for a great deal from my players when they are working off the ball, but that is necessary. We have to keep going, the tension is rising and so is the pressure, but it was actually worse last season. At this stage, we weren't sure if we were going to finish in the top four.

“Now we have to feel the pressure as nothing but positive energy, because we are challenging for something that when we started working together was unthinkable."