"?Montella's Milan side lost 2-1 to Juventus in the quarter-final of the Coppa Italia. Two goals from Paula Dybala and Miralem Pjainic proved to be too much for Milan, as a Manuel Locatelli sending off with the game placed 2-1 in the 54th minute proved crucial.
Montella - speaking to "?AC Milan's Website - highlighted a poor first half performance: "We were too slow because they did not leave us space. We conceded two goals on the counter attack and they went close to scoring the third."
However, he was impressed with the spirit his side showed in the second half, when they went down to 10 men: "In the second half, the boys managed to play better, to impose our style of play going close to levelling it. We never gave up."
The Milan manager spoke about new signing Deulofeu, who joined on loan from Everton.
"We were down to 10 men, Juve made us play low and we didn't manage to play the ball around. That's why I needed someone fast and I brought him on and not Lapadula. He also went close to scoring."
AC Milan forward M'Baye Niang looks set to join Premier League side, Watford. Montella said: "I don't know the latest news. I already spoke about his qualities and my opinion on him. We'll see what happens in the next days."
Sky in Italy: Watford agree deal with AC Milan for M'Baye Niang. He has to decide if he wants to go to Watford. Loan + £13m option to buy
Montella spoke about his side's constant improvement, after two difficult games against Serie A high flyers Juventus and Napoli.
"We faced two of the top teams in Italy. We are disappointed with the result but we have to face the reality. We are improving and reducing the gap with the top teams but we still need time".
On the red card, the manager was not harsh on Manuel Locatelli, saying "The red card will help Manuel in the future. He has to stay calm, he played a good game. These mistakes can only make you improve".
Locatelli apologised to the fans speaking to AC Milan TV, "I apologise to the fans, the manager and the club. It was a harsh foul and it was costly".