In a captivating pre-season friendly held in Hong Kong, AC Milan delivered a commanding performance, securing a resounding 4-2 victory over English Premier League giants Liverpool. This result, featuring goals from Rafael Leao, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and a brace from Noah Okafor, served as a significant morale booster for the Rossoneri, providing early indications of a revitalized squad under the tactical guidance of Massimiliano Allegri, following a forgettable 2024-25 campaign.
Milan`s Tactical Discipline Shines
Wearing their new yellow kit, Milan approached the match with a clear strategic intent. Under Allegri’s burgeoning influence, the team, still undergoing adjustments, demonstrated remarkable composure and tactical coherence. Opting to concede possession to Liverpool, Milan effectively condensed their defensive lines into a compact 5-4-1 formation, proving exceptionally potent in their counter-attacking transitions.
The first half saw Milan generate eight potential scoring opportunities, converting one into a spectacular opener. Rafael Leao, deployed effectively as a central striker, showcased his blistering pace and clinical finishing. Receiving a through ball from Christian Pulisic, Leao surged forward, slotting a precise diagonal left-footed shot past Liverpool’s Alisson before Virgil van Dijk could intervene. This exquisite goal, dedicated to the memory of Diogo Jota, was a testament to Milan`s newfound offensive sharpness.
Liverpool, despite a furious reaction, found their equalizer somewhat fortuitously, with a powerful strike from Dominik Szoboszlai following a fortunate deflection. However, Milan`s resilience was palpable; they maintained their defensive structure, preventing demoralization. While Alisson was called into action again to deny Pulisic, Milan continued to carve out opportunities, highlighting a promising blend of defensive solidity and offensive ambition.
Goals Galore and Star Performances
The second half brought a flurry of changes, particularly from Liverpool, who introduced a largely second-string lineup, replacing key players like Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz, Szoboszlai, and Van Dijk. Allegri’s substitutions, however, proved more impactful. Milan swiftly regained their lead with a stunning effort from Ruben Loftus-Cheek, once again assisted by a surging run from Rafael Leao. Not long after, Noah Okafor netted his first, capitalizing on an assist from Alexis Saelemaekers, pushing Milan`s lead to 3-1.
The Rossoneri`s performance was certainly applause-worthy, exposing the limitations of Liverpool’s experimental side. It became clear that Liverpool, perhaps underestimating their opponents, realized their oversight too late. Allegri also provided minutes to new signing Estupinan, and the entire squad maintained discipline, with goalkeeper Pietro Terracciano capably stepping in for Mike Maignan.
Despite a late consolation goal from Cody Gakpo for Liverpool, reducing the deficit to 3-2, Milan’s immediate response was decisive. Okafor seized upon a defensive error from the Reds, coolly dispatching his second goal of the match to seal a convincing 4-2 victory. This clinical double underscored Okafor’s potential and cemented Milan`s deserved triumph.
Defensive Fortitude: A Pleasant Surprise
Perhaps the most encouraging aspect for Milan was their drastically reduced defensive vulnerability. After a season that fans would rather erase from memory, the team’s backline exhibited significantly improved cohesion and attentiveness. The presence of players like Fofana in midfield, alongside the adeptness of Ricci in front of the defense, contributed to a collective defensive effort that stifled many of Liverpool`s advances. This newfound solidity, a hallmark of Allegri’s previous successful teams, hints at a more robust foundation for the upcoming competitive season.
Looking Ahead for the Rossoneri
This victory, while a pre-season friendly, carries substantial weight for AC Milan. It injects a much-needed shot of confidence and enthusiasm into the squad as they prepare for the new season. Despite their absence from European club competitions, the early signs under Allegri suggest a well-drilled, disciplined unit that understands its objectives on the pitch. The tactical blueprint is visibly taking shape, and the individual performances, particularly from Leao, Loftus-Cheek, and Okafor, offer a promising glimpse into Milan`s attacking capabilities.
The Rossoneri will now travel to Australia with a lighter step and a significant boost in morale, ready to continue their pre-season preparations with renewed vigor. If this performance is any indication, Milan fans have reason to be optimistic that the “forgotten” season of 2024-25 is indeed firmly in the rearview mirror.
Murray Blackwood