It was the first match of Massimiliano Allegri’s second spell on the Rossoneri bench. Today, AC Milan played their first summer friendly at the National Stadium in Singapore, where they faced Arsenal in the first of three matches during the Asia-Pacific tour. The match ended 1-0 for the Gunners, with a goal from Bukayo Saka. It was a mostly defensive performance from Milan, who gave up possession to the English side and tried to build through counterattacks, heavily relying on Leao’s breaks.
Below are Milan’s top and flop performers from their first pre-season outing:
TOP PERFORMERS
Rafael Leao:
Wearing the number 10 shirt, captain, and the lone offensive focal point, in a new position crafted for him by Allegri, who has always wanted him closer to goal. As long as his stamina held up, the Portuguese forward was a constant thorn in Arsenal’s defense. On the counter, he’s on another level — often skipping past two or three players without hesitation. The issue is that, being the most advanced player, he rarely has someone to combine with or lean on. He stayed on the pitch for 79 minutes in this debut, and physically he looked in top shape. The impression is that he will be the centerpiece of Allegri’s new Milan.
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Speaking again about the match against Arsenal, Ruben Loftus-Cheek has also shown some positive signs:
He is a midfielder perfectly suited to the new coach’s ideas, once again given the freedom to unleash his powerful runs. Allegri’s system seems tailor-made for the Englishman’s characteristics, and he showcased some explosive breaks — rarely seen last year, but reminiscent of his Champions League performance against PSG two seasons ago. He finally looks physically fit.
Malick Thiaw:
The German defender had been considered expendable in the transfer market, with a move to Como practically done. He chose to stay, even reporting early to Milanello for preseason to convince Allegri to believe in him. In this first outing, he looked focused, alert, and nearly impenetrable. Among Milan’s center-backs, he appears the one most likely to improve under Allegri. Today, he didn’t let Havertz have a single chance, as pointed out by Calcio Mercato.
Lorenzo Torriani:
Arsenal took plenty of shots on goal, and both goalkeepers pulled off noteworthy saves, showing great reliability even when coming off their lines. Maignan is working his way back to full fitness, but it looks like Milan have solid backup. The 20-year-old has caught attention in past preseasons as well; today, he even had the luxury of saving three penalties in the post-match shootout, denying Odegaard, Nelson, and Kiwior.
Who were the worst performers for Milan against Arsenal?
Davide Bartesaghi:
Tasked with marking Bukayo Saka — undoubtedly the toughest assignment — but too often caught out of position. Saka’s goal came right behind him, after a poorly-read movement from the 19-year-old. He’s not yet ready to be a starter for Milan, but he could be a solid alternative to Estupiñán, learning alongside him.
Yunus Musah:
Sloppy and chaotic. In the first half, he lost at least three dangerous balls that allowed Arsenal to counter and infuriated Allegri. He seems to have good physical tools, but lacks the necessary technical clarity and decision-making, often rushing plays or stubbornly persisting in risky situations.
