AC Milan forward Stephan El Shaarawy apologies for home defeat to Atalanta

Stephan El Shaarawy has apologised for AC Milan's defeat at home to Atlanta and said that the team will work hard to put things right.

Milan slipped to their second defeat in three Serie A games on Saturday, as Atalanta left the San Siro with all three points thanks to a 1-0 victory.

El Shaarawy told the club's official website: "Sorry, this is the second home defeat. We didn't have a bad game, we created many chances but the ball didn't come.

"Their players had much less, but they managed. Now we must think of the match on Tuesday.

"We are always calm, and will prepare for the game in the best way. We strive for as much as possible, then in the game it is different."

The Italian giants begin their Champions League campaign against Belgian side Anderlecht on Tuesday, in a group also featuring Zenit St. Petersburg and Malaga.