AC Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic celebrates after scoring a goal against Siena during their Italian Serie A soccer match at the San Siro stadium in Milan December 17, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

ROME - AC Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri admitted that his side's life was made difficult at Siena on Saturday, but it's important to win the game and three points.

The defending champions beat Siena 2-0 to move up to the top of the Italian Serie A league.

"In the first half we had patience and risked going a goal behind," Allegri was quoted by football-italia.net as saying.

"After the break and our opening goal, it was much easier. I asked Clarence Seedorf to play on the right because with his technical quality I thought he'd make trouble for Siena. Once I saw they were attacking us down that flank, I moved Nocerino there.

"Tonight was not an easy game and it was important to get the three points. When you play badly and still win, it's a good sign."

Nocerino broke the deadlock with his sixth goal of the season, already a new personal best.

"I hope he gets to 15 goals. He has already got six and is proving he is a player who belongs at Milan," Allegri ended.