ROSSONERI BEATEN AT THE BRIDGE
Friendly
The Rossoneri's final friendly of pre-season ended in defeat at the hands of Enzo Maresca's Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Massimiliano Allegri opted for a dynamic 3-4-3, choosing to save debutant Luka Modrić for the second half. After 20 minutes played, AC Milan found themselves trailing by two goals and down to ten men after Coubiș was sent off. The first half was a tough one for our side, who struggled to build any rhythm and produced only the odd counter led by Leão.
Chelsea dominated the ball and dictated the tempo of the game, but the Rossoneri tightened up in the second half and generated a few chances on the break. The game ended in a round 4-1 defeat, but Allegri's men did well to hold out following a disastrous opening phase. Up next, we host Bari in the Coppa Italia next Sunday, before taking on Cremonese in Serie A on 23 August.
CHECK OUT THE PHOTO GALLERY FROM CHELSEA v AC MILAN
MATCH REPORT
It was a rocky start for the Rossoneri, who conceded in the fifth minute, Coubiș turning it into his own net from a Reece James free-kick. Three minutes later, Pedro Neto swung in a cross for João Pedro, who headed home to make it 2-0 to the hosts. Coubiș was then sent off, as he brought down the Brazilian goalscorer on the edge of the box, denying him a clear opportunity. From the ensuing free-kick, Cole Palmer hit the post; then, minutes later, he sent another free-kick dangerously close. Rafa Leão tried to get his team onto the front foot and thought he'd halved the defecit, but the goal was ruled out for offside (42'). In stoppage time, Mike Maignan made a save to deny Pedro Neto, and the sides went in for the break at 2-0.
The second half began with Luka Modrić coming on for his debut, and the Croatian got into the game immediately, breaking into the space with the ball at his feet and tested Robert Sánchez from the edge of the penalty area (48'). Chelsea continued to manage their lead, but AC Milan looked dangerous on the counter. The Diavolo carved out a huge chance in the 55th minute, as he rounded the goalkeeper but was denied by Reece James. In the following attack, the Blues came close through Gittens. The hosts were awarded a penalty in the 65th minute for a foul on Estêvão; Liam Delap stepped up and converted to make it 3-0. Five minutes later, Saelemaekers fed Fofana, who pulled one back. However, Chelsea restored their three-goal lead in the 90th minute, and it ended 4-1.
MATCH DETAILS
CHELSEA 4-1 AC MILAN
CHELSEA (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; James (15' Malo Gusto), Adarabioyo, Chalobah (11'st Acheampong), Cuccurella (72' Hato); Fernández (15' Andrey Santos), Caicedo (72' Essugo); Pedro Neto (72' Walsh), Palmer (15' Estêvão), Gittens (72' George); João Pedro (15' Delap). Subs: Jørgensen, Slonina; Anselmino, Antwi; Rak-Sakyi. Coach: Maresca.
MILAN (3-4-3): Maignan; Coubiș, Tomori, F. Terracciano; Musah (73' Duțu), Ricci (46' Modrić), Fofana, Bartesaghi; Loftus-Cheek (85' Eletu), Leão, Saelemaekers (85' Sia). Subs: Pittarella, P. Terracciano, Torriani; Estupiñan, Gabbia, Pavlović; Jashari; Chukwueze, Gimenez, Okafor. Coach: Allegri.
Refree: Michael Salisbury.
Goal: 5' OG Coubiș (C), 8' João Pedro (C), 67' pen. and 90' Delap (C), 70' Fofana (M).
Booked: 65' Maignan (M).
Sent off: 18' Coubiș (M).
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