AC MILAN EASE TO THIRD PRE-SEASON WIN

AC Milan recorded their third pre-season victory in as many games this afternoon. It was a convincing performance from the Rossoneri, who were particularly impressive in the first half and eventually ran out 5-1 winners against Vicenza at Milanello. Castillejo (a brace) and Colombo both found the net in the first half, with Brahim Díaz and Stanga adding to AC Milan’s tally after the restart. The Diavolo have scored 13 goals in their pre-season fixtures against Novara, Monza and Vicenza, and the youngsters involved were in fine form again today. Colombo got on the scoresheet once more, building on his excellent strike against Monza at San Siro, while Brahim Díaz bagged his first Rossoneri goal to make it 4-1 before setting up Stanga to score the team’s fifth. Michelis, Maldini and Kalulu, the latter of whom came on at the break, all put in solid performances. Despite being without Ibra, who wasn't selected by Coach Piolo, the Rossoneri were convincing in attack. This was particularly the case in the opening period, during which Vicenza struggled to deal with AC Milan’s forays forward. After the restart, Brahim showed what he’s all about, first combining with Paquetá and scoring the Diavolo’s fourth, and then providing an assist for Stanga. AC Milan’s fourth and final pre-season fixture is coming up at 17:00 CEST on Saturday 12 September, when Coach Pioli’s men will face Brescia at Milanello.

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REPORT
AC Milan looked to play at a high tempo and push their opponents back from the off. The Rossoneri had their first chance through Colombo, who forced Pizzignacco into a stop in the fifth minute. Just seconds later, the Vicenza goalkeeper produced another save, keeping out Duarte’s header from Çalhanoğlu’s corner. Castillejo then opened the scoring in the eleventh minute, finding the bottom corner with his right foot after receiving the ball from Hakan. With 22 minutes on the clock, Vicenza failed to clear a corner, with Lorenzo Colombo taking full advantage and expertly volleying home on the turn from close range. On the half-hour mark, Castillejo scored his second and AC Milan’s third, finishing off Hernandez’s low cross into the box. Just before half-time, Michelis, who started alongside Duarte at centre-back today, was denied by Pizzignacco, who managed to keep out the defender’s header. After a number of changes and a couple of opportunities for Paquetá shortly after the break, Vicenza reduced the arrears through Guerra in the 55th minute: his left-footed strike was deflected, leaving Antonio Donnarumma with no chance. Following this, Laxalt and Daniel Maldini looked to make it four, but both were unsuccessful in their attempts. After Pontisso had hit the bar for the away side, AC Milan went up the other end and scored: after combining with Paquetá, Brahim Díaz found the net for the first time in Rossoneri colours. The same player was then involved in the final goal of the match, setting up Stanga to score a great header.

MATCH SUMMARY

AC Milan 5-1 Vicenza 

AC Milan (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma G. (46' Donnarumma A.); Calabria (46' Kaluku), Michelis (79' Stanga), Duarte (68' Bellodi), Hernández (46' Laxalt); Krunić (61' Kessie), Bennacer (61' Pobega); Castillejo (46' Paquetá), Çalhanoğlu (46' Brahim Díaz), Maldini; Colombo (61' Roback). Substitutes: Moleri. Coach: Pioli

Vicenza (4-4-2): Pizzignacco (46' Grandi); Bruscagin (80' Fantoni), Padella (63' Tronchin), Ierardi (46' Cappelletti), Beruatto (46' Barlocco); Zarpellon (46' Vandeputte), Rigoni (46' Pontisso), Scoppa (46' Cinelli), Nalini (46' Giacomelli); Marotta (46' Gori), Meggiorini (37' Guerra) (78' Ouro). Coach: Di Carlo

Referee: Di Graci from Como

Goals: 11' Castillejo (M), 22' Colombo (M), 30' Castillejo (M), 56' Guerra (V), 75' Brahim Díaz, 92' Stanga (M). 

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