AC Milan head coach Filippo Inzaghi has admitted that his side looked "sluggish" in a 2-1 defeat to Sassuolo in Serie A.

Andrea Poli handed Milan the lead in just the eighth minute, but an impressive comeback from the visitors at the San Siro left Inzaghi frustrated, and he has urged his players to learn lessons from the disappointment.

"I think the first 20 minutes deceived us, made us think that it was all easy," the Milan boss told reporters. "But in Serie A, nothing is simple, especially against such an organised side.

"We became imprecise, a bit sluggish and things then went wrong. I am disappointed as we were doing very well and this is a step back. This match will serve us as a lesson. This side needs to grow.

"We deserved to lose and now we must be good in picking ourselves up right away. We made more mistakes than usual. The match after the winter break always has hidden dangers, we prepared well, but matters on the pitch say otherwise."

Milan, who are currently seventh in Serie A, return to action against Torino on Saturday evening.