Milan coach Sinisa Mihajlovic was bitterly disappointed after his side started their Serie A campaign with a defeat away at Fiorentina.
The Rossoneri were always second best to Paulo Sousa's side who dominated the game after Rodrigo Ely saw red in the first half.
Milan will be looking to bounce back straight away when they take on Empoli at home next week before the international break.
"The match was lost in midfield," a disappointed Mihajlovic told reporters after the defeat.
"It was an even match for the first 35 minutes, with a goal scoring chance each, and then it was difficult in 10 men. They kept possession well and deserved to win.
"However there is no need to panic and we must not bring ourselves down.
"We have our strengths and we will try and win our next match. I would have liked this match to have been 11 v 11, but credit must also go to our opponents if we played the match with one man less.
"We didn't pass the ball around enough, there were lots of errors and we weren't purposeful enough. I don't focus on the age of a player, but rather their abilities.
"If I choose Romagnoli and Ely, it is because they deserve it. I showed faith in Ely and Romagnoli as they deserve it and because I see them train every day.
"I don't judge a player on one match alone. Perhaps at the start a young player can have a few problems, but then in the long term he can become better than a more senior player.
"We will move on and try and improve."
