AC Milan’s second friendly of the season yielded a second victory, as Stefano Pioli’s men beat Modena 5-0 at Milanello with another convincing performance. The goals all came in a first half of high intensity from the team, who led 3-0 after only 9 minutes. That advantage grew further during the first half, allowing some youngsters to get a run-out in the second; Fodé Ballo-Touré also made his debut.
The positive signs from the Pro Sesto game were confirmed here: the team showed great tempo - continually moving the ball first time - and impressive movement off the ball, which demonstrates the real unity within this group who have just finished another week of pre-season. Now, they have two days off, coming back into training on Tuesday morning: there starts a week in which the Rossoneri play the first friendly of their Summer Tour, on Saturday evening at Nice’s stadium in Southern France.
VIEW PICTURES OF THE GAME
MATCH REPORT
The afternoon at Milanello began well, with the Rossoneri taking an early lead. After just 80 seconds, Díaz broke into the box, exchanged passes with Hernandez and stuck the opening goal in for 1-0. AC Milan were ignited by that: after a chance for Gabbia, a strong right-footed effort to test Gabbia, Leão got the second, heading home Díaz’s left-footed cross. After 9 minutes, the third goal was scored, when Tomori met Bennacer’s cross with a powerful header. After such a positive start, the Rossoneri kept making all the running, and scored again after 19 minutes: Krunić tucked one home, assisted by Leão. Modena’s first moment came after 27 minutes, when Marotta’s left-footed strike tested Tătăruşanu. The first 45 ended with a fifth AC Milan goal, Hernández netting a rocket of a free-kick from 25 yards.
After the break, Coach Pioli brought on Ballo-Touré and a trio of youngsters: Maldini, Colombo and Hauge. The tempo dropped a bit, but with AC Milan still looking to build the play and look for quick exchanges in between the lines. That young front-three were the biggest threat to the opposition defence, with a left-footed effort from Hauge after 64 minutes and a powerful right-footed attempt from Maldini not six minutes later almost adding a sixth. Colombo also showed his ability after 85 minutes, with a nice turn and shot that called Narcisio into action, but the final score did not differ from that at half-time: it ended 5-0 at Milanello.
AC MILAN 5-0 MODENA
AC MILAN FIRST HALF (4-2-3-1): Tătăruşanu; Gabbia, Tomori, Romagnoli, Hernández; Bennacer, Tonali; Saelemaekers, Díaz, Krunić; Leão.
AC MILAN SECOND HALF (3-4-3): Tătăruşanu (60' Plizzari); Conti, Gabbia (60' Stanga), Caldara; Castillejo, Robotti (80' Capone), Tonali (60' Di Gesù), Ballo-Touré; Maldini, Colombo, Hauge. Un-used subs: Desplanches, Pseftis; Kerkez; Pobega; Roback. Coach: Pioli.
MODENA FIRST HALF (4-3-1-2): Gagno; Ciofani, Baroni, Pergreffi, Renzetti; Scarsella, Gerli, Di Paola; Mosti; Marotta, Ogunseye.
MODENA SECOND HALF (4-3-1-2): Narciso; Ciofani (53' Maggioni), Baroni, Minesso, Castiglia; Ingegneri (89' Milesi), Gerli (53' Gavazzi), Duca; Mosti (53' Nelli); Ponsi, Ogunseye (53' Costantino). Un-used subs: Aimi; Molinaro. Coach: Tesser.
Referee: Enrico Maggio
Goals: 2' Díaz (Mi), 5' Leão (Mi), 9' Tomori (Mi), 19' Krunić (Mi), 42' Hernández (Mi).
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