VICTORY OVER ÉTOILE DU SAHEL AT MILANELLO
Friendly
AC Milan's penultimate pre-season friendly ended 4-0 to Pioli's men against reigning champions of Tunisia Etoile du Sahel. It was a good result against a side in better physical form, as they go into the first round of the African Champions League next Saturday. Ruben Loftus-Cheek stole the show with a first-half hat-trick with two assists from Pulisic and one from Leão. Giroud added our fourth from the penalty spot.
With just over a week to go until the Rossoneri kick off their Serie A campaign against Bologna, the players looked in top fitness. Stefano Pioli opted to have the starting eleven play the full 90 minutes, while the guests rotated heavily in the second half. AC Milan played some good stuff out wide, with Leão and Pulisic heavily involved, while the midfielders looked to flood into the box. The defence, commanded by Maignan, looked comfortable throughout. Tomorrow, Sunday 13 August, the Rossoneri take on Novara, also at Milanello.
CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM AC MILAN v ÉTOILE DU SAHEL
MATCH REPORT
Both sides went with a 4-3-3 formation as head coach Pioli named an unchanged starting XI from Monza on Tuesday. After the Rossoneri had settled into possession, they took the lead in the 13th minute; Krunić spread the ball out wide to Pulisic, who crossed in for Loftus-Cheek to volley home. AC Milan dominated the possession and the territory, looking to exploit any gaps in the guests' back line. And one did appear in the 35th minute; Leão dribbled down the left and fed the Englishman in midfield to make it a brace. And it didn't long for Ruben to make it a hat-trick, turning home from a deflected Pulisic cross (38').
The second half began with another chance for Loftus-Cheek, though his header was kept out by the opposition goalkeeper. The Rossoneri did then get a fourth; Giroud converted from the spot after the referee had awarded a penalty for handball (52'). The fourth goal killed off the game as a contest as Pioli's side controlled possession and moved the ball around with authority. AC Milan completed the entire second half with no subs and the only chance of note for the guests fell to Firas Amri. Reijnders created a late opportunity for Leão, who couldn't hit the target. 4-0 to AC Milan at full time.
MATCH DETAILS
AC MILAN 4-0 ÉTOILE DU SAHEL
AC MILAN (4-3-3): Maignan; Kalulu, Tomori, Thiaw, Hernández; Loftus-Cheek, Krunić, Reijnders; Pulisic, Giroud, Leão. Subs: Mirante, Sportiello; Bartesaghi, Calabria, Florenzi, Kjær; Adli, Musah, Pobega, Romero; Chukwueze, Colombo, Okafor. Coach: Pioli.
ÉTOILE DU SAHEL (4-3-3): Jemal (62' Gabsi); Ben Njima, Ghedamsi, Jebali (62' Bouazra), Ben Ali (62' Naouali); Mbé (73' Jaziri), Jelassi, Sidibe; Chamakhi (62' Aouani), Abdelli (73' Bongonga), Brigui (62' Firas Amri). A disp.: Khmiri; Ben Hassine. All.: Ben Younes.
Referee: Bordin from Bassano del Grappa.
Goals: 13', 35' and 38' Loftus-Cheek (M), 53' pen. Giroud (M).
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