AC Milan veteran Filippo Inzaghi said he felt the three-match ban handed to team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic was excessive.
The Sweden international Ibrahimovic was banned on Monday after Lega Calcio's disciplinary panel ruled that he engaged in a violent act when he slapped Napoli defender Salvatore Aronica in the face during Sunday's goalless draw at San Siro.
"I am really sad for 'Ibra' because besides being a team-mate of mine, he is also a close friend," Inzaghi told MilanNews.
"I know how important he is for Milan and we will miss him. I hoped he would be suspended for two matches because three seems excessive, his gesture was not violent."
Ibrahimovic's ban will see him miss Milan's next three Serie A matches, including the showdown against Juventus on February 25.
Inzaghi, who has only made five appearances this season, refused to say whether Ibrahimovic's absence would earn him a place in Massimiliano Allegri's starting line-up.
"Will I get a chance now? You should not be asking me that question," he added. "I am ready, I am fine and I hope to do well."
"It is clear that there are other players, there is (Stephan) El Shaarawy, who is young and has been doing well, and Maxi Lopez, who has fit in well."
"I hope we will not feel Ibrahimovic's absence too much and that we will do fine without him."
Milan are in second place, one point behind leaders Juve in the Serie A table.