Gilardino is struggling to establish his place in the Milan starting eleven, with the presence of Ronaldo, Alex Pato and eventually Paloschi.

However, the Italy international said he is happy with the emergence of Paloschi.

"I am very happy for him,” Gilardino told Sky Sport Italia.

“He is a lad who deserved a goal and I hope that he will score many like it because to make such a quick impression is an impressive feat.

“He is a very good player who has grown up in Milan and that is an extra source of pride.

“At 18-years-old we must make sure we don’t put too much pressure on him, but he has great potential and statistics at youth level."