Allegri: We played better before Fiorentina's red card

Massimiliano Allegri said his side only had its to blame after AC Milan threw away a two-goal lead against Fiorentina, and the Rossoneri boss admitted his side played better before La Viola had a man sent off.

Despite Fiorentina having Nenad Tomovic red-carded, two late penalties rescued a point for Fiorentina, and the Milan coach bemoaned the missed chance to finish off the win and take a step forward in the race for Serie A's Champions League places.

“The second half was not positive, as we were caught napping. It’s a shame, as this could’ve been a very important victory to cut Fiorentina out of the race for third,” Allegri told reporters. "We need to stay calm now, as we do some great things and the mistakes are part of the maturing process of this side.”

Allegri also admitted his frustration that his team did not step up a gear when the opponent was reduced to 10 men.

“Paradoxically, Milan played better against 11 men than 10,” Allegri said. "We let ourselves go in terms of intensity and were half-asleep. We need to improve in terms of determination and effort.”

Milan remains in third place in Serie A, one behind Napoli and six ahead of Fiorentina.