AC MILAN LOSE 3‑2 IN HUNGARY
Friendly
AC Milan’s second pre-season friendly ended in a narrow defeat today. Indeed, in front of a boisterous crowd, Zalaegerszegi TE emerged 3-2 victors in Hungary. The hosts enjoyed an excellent opening half an hour before the Rossoneri responded through Giroud’s penalty and a goal from Krunić in the closing stages, with Calabria then almost making it 3-3.
After last Saturday’s match in Cologne, it was another challenging test for Coach Pioli’s side. The team reacted well in the closing stages of the first half and especially after the restart, also thanks to the introduction of various players who came on to make their first appearances of the season. The Rossoneri will now head to Austria, where four days of hard work will culminate in a friendly against Wolfsberger in Klagenfurt on Wednesday.
CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM ZALAEGERSZEGI TE v AC MILAN
MATCH REPORT
Compared to the team that started in Cologne, the only change was in midfield, with Brescianini and Tonali (it was the latter’s first game this season) getting the nod. The hosts took the lead from their first chance as Ubochioma rifled home following a corner (2’). Zalaegerszegi then almost doubled their advantage after seven minutes, when Gergényi hit the post from the edge of the box. At the other end, with the clock having ticked past the 15-minute mark, Messias and Rebić threatened for the Rossoneri. The home side then scored twice in quick succession (25’ and 27’), first through Mocsi’s header and then through Tajti’s left-footed strike from distance. The Diavolo responded on the half-hour mark as Ballo-Touré was brought down in the box and Giroud stepped up to convert the resulting spot-kick. In the 44th minute, Oli, who had been picked out by Messias, was denied by an excellent stop from Demjén.
The Rossoneri were proactive after the restart, even if their first opportunity came after 60 minutes: Rebić, who found himself in behind, failed to beat the opposition goalkeeper. Coach Pioli then rang the changes, with Gabbia being the only starter to remain on the pitch. Eight players came on for their first appearances this pre-season: Maignan, Calabria, Tomori, Hernández, Bennacer, Krunić, Saelemaekers and Leão. After entering the fray, Yacine Adli made a positive impression, creating opportunities for Theo, whose 76th-minute attempt was cleared off the line, and Leão, who curled the ball wide with his right foot. AC Milan pulled another one back in the 86th minute, with Adli once again involved: the Frenchman picked out Krunić, whose finish was emphatic. Two minutes later, Calabria’s powerful right-footed shot ended up just off target.
MATCH DETAILS
ZALAEGERSZEGI TE 3-2 AC MILAN
ZALAEGERSZEGI TE (4-4-2): Demjén; Gergényi (87' Mim), Mocsi, Kálnoki-Kis, Bedi; Ubochioma (65' Santos), Tajti, Sanković, Májer (65' Huszti); Németh (46' Ikoba), Szalay (46' Kovács). Subs.: Gyurján; Csóka, Gergely, Safronov; Boros; Klausz, Manzinga, Papp. Coach: Moniz.
AC MILAN (4-2-3-1): Tătăruşanu (61' Maignan); Florenzi (61' Calabria), Kalulu (61' Tomori), Gabbia, Ballo-Touré (61' Hernández); Brescianini (61' Bennacer), Tonali (61' Krunić); Messias (61' Saelemaekers), Díaz (61' Adli), Rebić (61' Leão); Giroud (61' Maldini). Subs.: Mirante; Coubis; Gala; Lazetić. Coach: Pioli.
Referee: Sándor Andó-Szabó (Hungary)
Goals: 2' Ubochioma (Z), 25' Mocsi (Z), 27' Tajti (Z), 30' pen. Giroud (M), 86' Krunić (M)
Booked: 5' Tajti (Z), 33' Májer (Z), 38' Giroud (M), 64' Gergényi (Z)
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