AC Milan must try and extract the positives from yesterday’s defeat against Arsenal in the first of their two Dubai friendlies.
The Rossoneri played their first game in the UAE yesterday afternoon against Arsenal, losing both in the 90 minutes by a scoreline of 2-1 and on also penalties, given the Dubai Super Cup rules foresee a shootout regardless of the result to earn an extra point.
However, La Gazzetta dello Sport (via MilanNews) writes that Stefano Pioli received positive signals, especially in the first half of the game where his team played better than the Gunners. They had more possession and dangerous chances, but a beautiful free-kick by Odegaard and an error from Tatarusanu showed that carelessness is punished.
The Diavolo’s best chances came from Divock Origi who first hit the crossbar with a lovely shot from outside the penalty area and then grazed the post with a header from Yacine Adli’s cross.
In the second half the game was conditioned by the many changes both teams made resulting in a lower pace generally, meaning Arsenal took control of the match. Milan kept trying and produced some quality from a free-kick as Fikayo Tomori headed in a Sandro Tonali cross.
Then it was time for the shootout, in which Brahim Diaz and Krunic were unable to score. Tatarusanu kept AC Milan’s hopes alive with a penalty save from Smith, but it wasn’t enough. The second friendly is scheduled for Friday in Dubai, against Liverpool.
