Milan have just wrapped up their short week of training, which began last Tuesday with a reduced squad due to the large number of players away on international duty. The work concluded with a friendly against Serie B side Padova at Milanello, which finished just a few minutes ago with a 1-1 draw. Lorenzo Ossola put the Rossoneri ahead in the second half, before Sgarbi equalised late on for the visitors.
Minutes to those who played less so far in Amorim's Milan lineups:
In the first half, Ruben Amorim decided to field the strongest possible XI, also taking into account the absence of Saelemaekers through injury. The Rossoneri lined up with a back four, with Tomori deployed at right-back: P. Terracciano; Tomori, Gabbia, Gila, Diawara; Loftus-Cheek, Comotto, F. Terracciano; Hutchinson, Idrissi, Pulisic, as relayed via Milan News.
The unusual and experimental set-up did not prevent Milan from creating chances, with all three attacking players coming close to scoring. Padova goalkeeper Sorrentino did well to deny them.
In the second half, Amorim made just two changes, bringing on Ossola and Nirash Perera for Idrissi and Hutchinson. Milan continued to attack and, in the 69th minute, Ossola broke the deadlock with a diagonal finish following an assist from Loftus-Cheek.
Silvano Vos, who has been performing well for Milan Futuro at the start of the season, also came on late in the game. However, Padova managed to equalise through a Sgarbi header in the closing stages.
It was a useful test to give the players more minutes and maintain their match rhythm.
The friendly against Padova brings Milan's week of work to an end, and the players who have remained in Milan will now have the weekend off.
Training will resume on Monday, when preparations will finally begin for the next match against Sassuolo, scheduled for Sunday 11 October at 18:00.
Things will start to become more serious between Tuesday and Wednesday, when some of the players currently away on international duty will have returned and resumed full training.
