AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has admitted that finishing second in Serie A this season will be "tough".

The Rossoneri defeated Palermo 2-0 at the San Siro on Sunday to stay two points behind second-placed Napoli in third.

"This was a good step towards getting to second place even though it'll be tough," he told reporters.

"There are nine games left and we need to stay calm and maintain balance. We'll be looking to win or at least draw the remaining games. All the games are important now."

Mario Balotelli scored both of Milan's goals against Palermo.