Stefano Pioli hailed the growing maturity of his AC Milan players in the absence of injured striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The Rossoneri strengthened their grip on top spot in Serie A with a gritty 2-1 victory at Sampdoria on Sunday thanks to goals from Franck Kessie and Samu Castillejo.
Milan secured the win without talisman Ibrahimovic, who is nursing a hamstring injury but expected to return soon.
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The experienced Swede has scored 10 goals in six Serie A games this season, and his presence was missed against Sampdoria, but Milan managed to get the job done in Genoa.