As the curtain falls on their Asia and Australia pre-season tour, AC Milan delivered a rather emphatic performance, dispatching local side Perth Glory by a commanding score of 9-0. While the result certainly paints a picture of dominance, discerning observers — and indeed, the coaching staff itself — might acknowledge the considerable gulf in class between the Italian giants and their Australian counterparts.
A Rossoneri Deluge in Perth
The match, held at HBF Park in Perth, offered little in the way of competitive tension from the onset. Milan wasted no time asserting their superiority, with Filippo Terracciano opening the scoring just minutes into the game after a neat exchange with Noah Okafor. This early strike set the tone for what would become a first-half deluge. Okafor himself quickly notched a brace, showcasing his finishing prowess. The scoring continued unabated with goals from the youthful Comotto (converting a penalty kick with commendable composure for a 17-year-old) and Samuel Chukwueze. By the half-hour mark, Milan had already amassed a five-goal lead, leaving Perth Glory`s defense in a state of amiable disarray.
Second-Half Reinforcements and Relentless Attack
Coach Massimiliano Allegri, utilizing the friendly as an opportunity to test various formations and player combinations, notably shifted between a 3-5-2 and 4-3-3 setup, even rotating the entire squad at halftime. The second half saw a completely revamped Milan XI, yet the offensive onslaught remained unabated. Rafael Leão, stepping into the central striker role, continued the goal-fest a mere 15 seconds after the restart, showcasing his blistering pace. Further strikes from Tommaso Ricci, with a powerful shot from the edge of the box, and Yunus Musah, who completed a stunning solo effort for the eighth goal, widened the margin. Leão then secured his double, rounding off Milan`s formidable nine-goal performance.
Pragmatism Amidst the Goal Spree
Despite the lopsided scoreline, Coach Allegri remained pragmatic in his assessment. He acknowledged the positives—a clean sheet at the back and a plethora of attacking opportunities created—but was quick to emphasize that the significant disparity in team quality meant no one should get unduly carried away. The true tests, he implied, lie firmly ahead. This sensible outlook is a testament to the rigorous standards required at the highest levels of European football, where such friendly scorelines are more a warm-up exercise than a definitive measure of readiness.
What`s Next for the Rossoneri?
With their Australian adventure concluded, AC Milan`s squad is now en route back to Italy. The team will regroup and training is set to resume on July 5th at Milanello. A packed schedule awaits them with a series of high-profile friendlies against formidable European opponents:
- July 9th: Against Leeds United in Dublin
- July 10th: Against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge
These fixtures will serve as the final crucible before the Rossoneri`s official season kicks off with their Coppa Italia debut on July 17th. Fans will be eagerly anticipating how the team integrates new tactical approaches and player dynamics against more evenly matched competition, as the quest for silverware and domestic and European dominance begins in earnest.
Gilbert Pendleton