Luka Modric labelled parts of AC Milan's performance against Pisa as "too soft" after the early leaders in Serie A were held to a 2-2 draw.

The Rossoneri looked like they were heading for defeat at one point when M'Bala Nzola put Pisa ahead in the 86th minute, but Modric went on to assist Zachary Athekame's stoppage-time equaliser.

Milan have now drawn two of their last three Serie A matches (W1), as many draws as they recorded in their previous 25 games in the competition (W15 L8).

Pisa, meanwhile, avoided defeat against Milan for only the third time in their Serie A history (D3 L10), following goalless draws in January 1989 and December 1983.

After taking a 1-0 lead into the second half, Pisa equalised on the hour mark through Juan Cuadrado, who netted from the penalty spot.

Modric believes their lack of quality in front of goal in the first half and poor start to the second played big roles in their draw.

"We should have killed the game in the first half," Modric told DAZN and Sky Sports.

"We played well, but we only scored one goal. Then we started the second half too soft, and with the penalty and the goal… that's football. Even if you are stronger and deserve to win, anything can happen.

"It's only our fault if we didn't win. We lost two important points today. These matches at home, with all due respect to Pisa, you have to win them.

"We are sad and angry because we threw away a big opportunity."

Milan are two points clear at the top of Serie A, but have now played one game more than their rivals.

Massimiliano Allegri's side will be boosted by the fact that second-place Inter and third-place Napoli face each other this weekend.

The Rossoneri have a tough run of fixtures coming up, though, with games against Atalanta, Roma, Parma, Inter and Lazio up next on either side of the November international break.