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Carlo Ancelotti concedes that Milan fell asleep towards the end of their defeat to Roma and that his team is in a crisis.

“We are paying the price for the fact we had to rush our preparation for the Champions League preliminary round in August, but that mustn’t be an alibi. We have a serious problem getting results right now and have to get out of this situation,” said the Coach.

The Rossoneri started the campaign with an eight-point Calciopoli penalty, but have now lost four of their last five Serie A games.

Worse still, the 2-1 fall to Roma was the first time in 40 years they’ve suffered three consecutive home defeats in the top flight.

"I think we used up a lot of energy trying to get back into the game after Roma’s early goal and they are a side that really make you run over the 90 minutes. It had been a good Milan performance, then we lost our unity towards the end.”

Francesco Totti bagged a brace at San Siro to secure the Giallorossi’s first win here since 1987.

“With the second goal, we did fall asleep a little bit,” admitted Ancelotti. “We could’ve gone on the counter-attack, but instead lost the ball and allowed Roma to score.”

Cristian Brocchi scored Milan’s only goal and the drought suffered by the strikers is prompting many to ask for Andriy Shevchenko’s recall from Chelsea.

“Shevchenko was an important player for us, but it’s not right to regret his departure. The problem is that what we’re doing now isn’t enough, as we must do more and not let our heads drop. We are playing good football and paying for some distractions. The team has to remain more focused throughout the entire game.”

Alberto Gilardino has scored just twice in all competitions this season and was again disappointing against Roma.

“This isn’t a lucky time for us, but we must not look for excuses,” said the striker. “We seem to struggle to get certain things done. I’m sure that up until a few months ago some of these chances would’ve gone in. We have to do more to get out of this situation and I’m sure we will.”

Football Italia