AC Milan wrapped up their pre-season tour of Asia and Australia with an emphatic 9-0 victory over Perth Glory, leaving little doubt about the Rossoneri`s attacking prowess – at least against local competition. This final friendly served as a high-scoring send-off before the squad returns to Italy to face more formidable challenges.
The Match Dynamics: A Class Apart
The gulf in class between the seasoned Italian giants and their Australian counterparts was evident from the opening whistle. Even with coach Massimiliano Allegri opting to rotate his squad across both halves, Perth Glory found themselves overwhelmed. Milan`s superior individual talent and vast international experience made for a game that, frankly, ceased to be a contest remarkably early.
Milan`s tactical flexibility was also on display, transitioning seamlessly from a 3-5-2 to a more familiar 4-3-3 formation in both offensive and defensive phases. This fluidity, combined with the sheer difference in quality, allowed the Rossoneri to dictate play at will and create a continuous stream of scoring opportunities.
First Half Fury: Five Goals in Thirty Minutes
The scoring began almost immediately when Filippo Terracciano, showcasing an astute offensive run, opened the floodgates within three minutes after a neat one-two with Okafor. The goals flowed relentlessly thereafter. Noah Okafor swiftly added a second following a brilliant solo effort by Alex Jimenez, whose recovery and dazzling dribbling offered a positive signal for Allegri.
Okafor then netted his second, a clinical tap-in after a powerful shot from Loftus-Cheek was parried. The Australian side’s morale visibly crumbled as 17-year-old talent Comotto calmly converted a penalty for the fourth, and Samuel Chukwueze, after several attempts, secured the `pokerissimo` (five goals) just past the half-hour mark. By then, the game was effectively decided, leaving the Perth faithful to ponder their tactical decisions, or perhaps simply the vast distances involved in global football.
Second Half Onslaught: The Rout Continues
The second half commenced with a completely revamped Milan XI, yet the scoring momentum remained unbroken. Rafael Leão, deployed as a central forward, wasted no time, capitalizing on his blistering pace to notch the sixth goal just fifteen seconds after the restart. The one-sided affair continued, with Perth Glory struggling to contain the relentless Rossoneri attack.
Tommaso Ricci added a spectacular seventh with a powerful long-range strike, assisted by a clever back-heel from Liberali and a pass from Alexis Saelemaekers. Yunus Musah then orchestrated a commendable solo effort to make it eight, and Leão completed his brace, sealing the emphatic 9-0 triumph. It was a testament to Milan`s depth, or perhaps a stark reminder of Perth`s challenging season.
Post-Match Reflections: Beyond the Scoreline
While a nine-goal victory is undeniably impressive on paper, it`s crucial to temper expectations. The nature of pre-season friendlies, especially against significantly outmatched opponents like Perth Glory – a team that finished last in their league, reportedly at a level comparable to Italy`s Serie C – means such results are more about fitness, tactical refinement, and building morale than definitive statements of dominance. As one astute observer might quip, “Even a top-tier amateur club would put up a sturdier defense.”
The positive indications for Allegri include a clean sheet for the defense and the creation of numerous attacking opportunities. However, the true barometer of Milan`s pre-season progress will come with their next fixtures. The team is now headed back to Milanello, where training will resume on August 5th.
What Lies Ahead for AC Milan
The Rossoneri`s schedule quickly ramps up. They face a clash against Leeds on August 9th in Dublin, followed by a demanding encounter with Chelsea on August 10th at Stamford Bridge. These matches, along with their Coppa Italia debut on August 17th, will offer a clearer picture of Allegri`s squad and their readiness for the demanding domestic and European campaigns ahead.
The tour may have ended with a celebratory goal-fest, but the real work, against opponents who will certainly “bring a proper challenge to the party,” is just about to begin.
This article is based on a news report from Gazzetta.it regarding AC Milan`s pre-season friendly against Perth Glory. The content has been re-written and expanded for clarity, engagement, and SEO optimization, reflecting the core information while adding narrative and context.
