Modric: "No excuses, we deserved the defeat". VIDEO

Milan lost 2-4 to Bologna, their first Serie A defeat this season, with Modric saying the performance in the second half merited the result.

Milan suffered their first Serie A defeat of the season, losing 4-2 to Bologna. Midfielder Luka Modric spoke to Sky Sport after the match, acknowledging the loss was deserved despite an even first half. "We didn't expect it after the first 45 minutes, but we merited the defeat for our performance in the second half," Modric said. "We lost many duels; the goal from the set piece was unfortunate and from that moment we dropped a bit."

Modric rejected suggestions that injuries were an excuse, though he acknowledged Milan have several players sidelined. "We can't have excuses in any way, even if we know there are many injuries," he said. With the derby against Inter coming in three days, Modric called for unity and optimism. "The positive aspect is that the next match will come very quickly, especially a big challenge like the derby. We must stay united and positive. Until today we played very well; we must maintain optimism and hope to react by winning on Saturday."