FIRST PRE‑SEASON FIXTURE
Focus
The Rossoneri are set to take to the pitch at the RheinEnergieSTADION in Cologne today. Their opponents will be FC Köln, who finished seventh in the Bundesliga last season and thus qualified for the UEFA Conference League. After the training match against Lemine Almenno, it’ll be the first “official” run-out of pre-season.
In the past few years, the Diavolo have taken on various teams in their opening pre-season fixture. Novara have been regular opponents in recent times, with AC Milan having faced the team from Piedmont on three occasions: a 4-2 win on 2 September 2020, a 1-1 draw on 24 July 2019 and a 2-0 victory on 20 July 2018.
Last season started with a 6-0 success over Pro Sesto at Milanello. Bennacer, Leão, Castillejo, Pobega and Kerkez (x2) all got on the scoresheet against the Serie C side based in Sesto San Giovanni. Before the three matches against Novara in consecutive years, Lugano hosted the Rossoneri at the Stadio Cornaredo. That match finished in a 4-0 win thanks to goals from Cutrone, Crociata, Suso and Gustavo Gómez.
In 2016, meanwhile, AC Milan’s first summer fixture took place in Agen, France. Montella’s side beat Bordeaux 2-1 following a brace from Suso. Going back further in time, there were victories over Italian sides Alcione (5-1 in 2015), Renate (2-0 in 2014) and Pergolettese (5-1 in 2013). Ten years ago, just like today, the season kicked off against a German team. Back then, in 2012, a goal from Emanuelson secured a win over Schalke 04. Now, a new challenge awaits.
The AC Milan 2022/23 season tickets are now available: #UnaStoriaUnica, see you at San Siro!
