MILAN - AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has praised his players for ending a "delicate" week on a high with their 5-1 demolition of Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday.
Following a surprise Champions League defeat at Celtic last week and a poor start in Serie A which had seen them win just one of their first six Serie A matches, Milan supremo Silvio Berlusconi described the club's predicament as "the darkest period of his presidency".
However, a scintillating performance in Rome has lifted the gloom at Milan and Ancelotti is happy to send his players into the international break on the back of morale-boosting win.
He said: "It was a very difficult and delicate game for us but this victory brings calm back to our club.
"After this week's break we will come back with a different spirit."
The Milan coach tried to play down just how difficult the past seven days have been for the Rossoneri, adding that goalkeeper Dida remains in his plans despite his theatrical reaction to a slap from a Celtic supporter during the loss at Parkhead.
The Brazil goalkeeper put that incident behind him with a commanding display against Lazio. However, he could shortly find himself in hot water with the authorities after UEFA on Monday opened disciplinary proceedings against the custodian over the incident with the Celtic fan.
"It's been a very delicate week, but I wouldn't say it has been terrible," Ancelotti continued. "With regards to Dida, he still remains a great goalkeeper."
