ROME, Nov 26 ― Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini was told to stick to politics by AC Milan coach Gennaro Gattuso after commenting on the team's performance in the 1-1 Serie A draw away to Lazio yesterday.

Salvini, also leader of the League party, told reporters as he was leaving the Stadio Olimpico that he could not understand why Gattuso had not made any substitutions.

"If I were Gattuso I would have made some changes, the players were tired,” said Salvini, a Milan supporter.

In reply, Gattuso, who was a fiery combative midfielder in his playing days, said "this country is incredible.

"I don't talk about politics because I don't understand anything about it,” he added.

"I tell him to stick to politics because, with all the problems we have in our country, if the deputy PM (still) talks about football, it means we are in a really bad situation.”

Yesterday's result left Milan in fifth spot, a point and a place behind Lazio in the standings after 13 games. ― Reuters