'Ugly, tense' - Milan boss reacts to win over 8-man Lazio inspired by Swiss- Nigerian

AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli admitted his side's 1-0 victory over Lazio on Tuesday night was "ugly" and "tense" against the eight-man hosts.

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that Milan edged a dramatic and heated encounter which saw just one of two Nigerians feature on Friday night.

Noah Okafor's 88th-minute goal sealed a vital three points for Milan, who capitalised on Lazio having three men sent off in the dramatic Serie A clash.

"It was an ugly, tense match. We had a slow tempo in the first half and should’ve moved it around quicker, finding more space," Pioli told DAZN via Football Italia.

"It was a balanced game with very few chances. We started better after the break and made the most of Lazio’s errors."

Lazio had Luca Pellegrini given his marching orders in the 57th minute before Milan took advantage with the late Okafor winner.

Things got worse for the hosts when Adam Marusic and Matteo Guendouzi saw red in added time as Milan held on amid a frantic finale.

Pioli admitted it had been a test of his side's character against a Lazio team that finished with just eight players.

The win lifted Milan to third place in Serie A, although city rivals Inter have a game in hand as they bid to reclaim their Scudetto crown.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles star, Samuel Chukwueze continue to underwhelm at his new club after watching the dramatic encounter on the bench.