AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri has thanked the fans for their support during the club's disastrous start to the season.

A brace from Stephen El Shaarawy was enough to earn the Rossoneri a 2-0 win over Cagliari last night - their first at the San Siro this season.

"We are happy with the result and earned three points while having to suffer for it," said Allegri. "It wasn't easy to play well with this tension, and we've got to try to take the initiative against every opponent, as we are Milan.

"I want to thank the fans for their support in what has been a terrible start to the season."

Meanwhile, Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani publicly backed Allegri amid speculation regarding his future.