AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli admits he's supporting France at the World Cup.

Milan pair Olivier Giroud and Theo Hernandez are key players for France's World Cup run to the quarterfinals.

“I hope France win the World Cup and I am cheering them on to go all the way, because I support my players," he said when receiving the Gigi Simoni award for fair play and sportsmanship.

“I am in contact to see how they are doing, especially after a game.

"That's the only rule really, otherwise they're in trouble!"