AC MILAN CLAIM FIRST PRE‑SEASON WIN IN KOSOVO
Friendly
A goal in each half saw AC Milan emerge victorious against Feronikeli in Pristina: Suso's free kick and Borini's strike following Leão's assist sealed the deal for the Rossoneri, who claimed their first pre-season win. There were many positives for Coach Giampaolo in Kosovo: Leão looked lively and eager after coming on to make his debut, while the returning Paquetá was already up to match speed. Furthermore, Suso continued his fine vein of form, building on the excellent goal he scored last week against Manchester United in Cardiff. Meanwhile, Jack Bonaventura continued his journey to getting back fully fit as he played a further 40 minutes. The Coach also managed to give minutes to all the outfield players at his disposal. The Rossoneri will now immediately return to Milan and will return to training on Monday to prepare for their final friendly fixture prior to the start of the league campaign: on Saturday 17 August, Giampaolo's side will face Cesena at the Orogel Stadium Dino Manuzzi.
CHECK OUT THE MATCH GALLERY
REPORT
AC Milan lined up in Coach Giampaolo's preferred 4-3-1-2 formation and started to create opportunities from the seventh minute, when Gabbia got on the end of Çalhanoğlu's ball and headed over the bar. Çalhanoğlu was again involved in the play shortly afterwards, with Smakiqi managing to keep out the Turk's strike from outside the box. Suso then broke the deadlock with a fantastic free kick with his left foot. The Rossoneri continued to come forward and came close to doubling their lead, first through Castillejo and then through André Silva. The Coach shook things up at the break, with Romagnoli and Biglia being the only AC Milan players to remain on the pitch from the first half. Rafael Leão made his debut for the Club, while Lucas Paquetá and Diego Laxalt played for the first time this season after being away on international duty with their respective national teams. It continued to be much the same story after the restart, with the Rossoneri even looking to step it up a notch. In the 55th minute, Piątek found the back of the net after great play by Bonaventura, but the Polish striker's goal was ruled out for offside. Nevertheless, AC Milan did grab their second with 57 minutes on the clock: Leão's cross towards the far post was met by Borini, who subsequently volleyed the ball past the Feronikeli goalkeeper. After 70 minutes, Andrea Conti came close to making it 3-0 as he hit the bar from close range. Paquetá gradually became more involved in the game and showed some nice pieces of play, while Leão was able to put on the afterburners on a number of occasions. Meanwhile, Piątek looked to add gloss on the scoreline after 80 minutes but fired off target. No added time was played, and referee Genc Nuza blew the full-time whistle to bring the proceedings to an end. It finished 0-2 in Pristina.
MATCH DETAILS
Feronikeli (4-2-3-1): Smakiqi; Islami, Prekazi, Lladrovci, Hoxha; Dabiquai, Carioca; Da Silva, Fazliu, Hoti M; Rezha. Subs.: Troshupa; Thaqi, Doshlaku, Morina, Zeka, Shala, Halaj, Bojku. Coach. Ramadani
AC Milan first half (4-3-1-2): Donnarumma G.; Calabria, Gabbia, Romagnoli, Rodríguez; Krunić, Biglia, Çalhanoğlu; Suso; Castillejo, André Silva.
AC Milan second half (4-3-1-2): Donnarumma A.; Conti, Musacchio, Romagnoli (84' Laxalt), Strinić; Borini, Biglia (84' Brescianini), Bonaventura (84' Maldini); Paquetá; Leão, Piątek. Subs.: Soncin. Coach. Giampaolo
Referee: Genc Nuza
Goals: 26' Suso (M), 57' Borini (M)
Booked: Biglia (M)
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