Despite Fiorentina having Nenad Tomovic red-carded, two late penalties rescued a point for the home side in a 2-2 draw at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

The Milan coach bemoaned the missed chance to finish off Fiorentina in the Serie A Champions League race but was quick to argue it was just a part of the development of his young side.

"The second half was not positive, as we were caught napping. It's a shame, as this could've been a very important victory to cut Fiorentina out of the race for third," he said.

"We need to stay calm now, as we do some great things and the mistakes are part of the maturing process of this side."

Allegri also admitted his frustration that his team did not step up a gear when their opponents were reduced to 10 men.

"Paradoxically, Milan played better against 11 men than 10," he added.

"We let ourselves go in terms of intensity and were half-asleep. We need to improve in terms of determination and effort."

Fiorentina counterpart Vincenzo Montella, meanwhile, said the referee will 'be buying him dinner' following Tomovic's controversial red card.

"I do not talk about referees. I will only say that at half-time I spoke to (Paolo) Tagliavento and we made a bet that whoever was wrong about the Tomovic incident would buy the other dinner," Montella said.

"He was convinced that he was right, but I think I won the bet."

Milan went ahead through former Fiorentina player Riccardo Montolivo who then assisted Mathieu Flamini for the second, but late penalties from Adem Ljajic and David Pizarro salvaged a point for Fiorentina.

Montella, however, said he was pleased with the result and the strength his side showed in coming back despite being a man down.

He also refused to apportion blame for striker Stevan Jovetic going off injured after concerns before the game about the Montenegrin's participation.

"I think the mentality we are forming this season helped us to have belief and courage, even when 2-0 down in a decisive moment of the match," he said.

"There was a great reaction and I saw a team that strongly believed in this comeback against a very talented side, even with 10 men.

"Nobody made a mistake with Jovetic. Everyone evaluated the situation and took their own share of the risks and responsibility, so there is no problem."

The result means Fiorentina are still six points behind Milan in the race for third place.