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Finally we got to see AC Milan under new coach Marco Giampaolo. His choice of starters was strange to say the least as he placed Borini and Strinic in unnatural positions but hey it’s the preseason why not try new things. It was evident in the first half that Giampaolo is imprinting his style on this team. Throughout the half the team played through the middle and used their fullbacks to add width to their attack. Both Calabria and new signing Theo Hernández were fantastic coming in on the flanks and creating opportunities to score. Aside from the injury to Hernández the first half was promising.
The Rossoneri fall to Bayern Munich with a goal by Goretzka
— AC Milan (@acmilan) July 24, 2019
Inizia con una sconfitta la nostra #ICC2019#BayernMilan #FollowTheFlames pic.twitter.com/AvqiUbhKy7
During the second half the lack of fitness showed for Milan. This squad has only been training for a few weeks now and their levels of fitness compared to Bayern Munich played a big part in this match. As the match continued Milan began to look sluggish and many of their passes were not on target. However this is their first preseason match and the squad did show signs of promise. Milan played with a cobbled together starting eleven and still managed to play fairly decent football.
Now it is time to look at the player ratings for Milan. Comment your thoughts below and follow us on Twitter @SBNRossonero!
STARTING LINE-UP
Gianluigi Donnarumma: It was good to see Gigio in a Milan shirt amidst all the transfer rumours of his possible exit. Not much for him to do in terms of saves but he did get a lot of time on the ball. Gigio looked fairly comfortable but he still needs to develop his passing skills. 6/10
Davide Calabria: Calabria was tested this match on the right side as he was marking both Kingsley Coman and Canadian Alphonso Davies. Calabria stood his ground and even made a few runs offensively to create chances for Milan. 7/10
Matteo Gabbia: After impressing at the U-21 Euros Gabbia got to showcase his defensive skill. Gabbia did exactly that as he showed the potential Milan fans what they’ve been waiting on. Of course Gabbia isn't ready for the first team but if he continues to develop he could challenge for a spot in the starting eleven. 7/10
Ivan Strinic: Well as our manager Pete Schlenker would say Strinic is not a centre back, pass it on. This was a cobbled together defence for Milan and it showed at times with Strinic being the most out of place. Strinic should not be expected to get a lot of minutes at centre back this season. 5.5/10
#TheoHernandez in full flight, he will be a great addition to the Milan squad.
— The AC Milan-Godfather (@ACMilanSydney) July 24, 2019
Let’s hope his injury is not that serious.
Video: @beINSPORTS_AUS pic.twitter.com/QLnHY00nHc
Theo Hernandez: Just as it seemed that Milan finally struck gold with a pacey fullback who loves going forward, he goes down with an ankle injury. At the time of writing the severity of the injury isn't know but we can only hope that he is ok for the start of the season. 8/10
Fabio Borini: Similar to Strinic Borini was played out of position and it showed. He is simply not a central midfielder, yes he works hard but he doesn't have the touch or technique to play at that position. 5.5/10
Lucas Biglia: Old man Biglia had a fairly decent performance in the new system. He looked comfortable on the ball and was in good defensive position. Biglia will surely be a great backup once the Bennacer signing is completed. 6.5/10
| Photos from today's match against Bayern Munich in Kansas City. #ForzaMilan pic.twitter.com/jzO4lsoKfZ
— TheMilanBible (@TheMilanBible) July 24, 2019
Hakan Calhanoglu: Well Hakan is finally playing in a position that is comfortable for him and well Hakan still isn't impressing. His touch on the ball halted some Milan attacks and he continues to insist on taking long shots. His corners leave much to be desired and he went after Coman in a friendly. Hakan might need to make his way out the door. 5.5/10
Daniel Maldini: Once again a Maldini is in the first team for Milan. Maldini got his first chance with the first team playing attacking midfield. He showed promise at points but it's clear that he isn't quite ready. With more playing time in the primavera he could be a good player for Milan. 5.5/10
Samu Castillejo: With a switch to a formation with no natural wingers Castillejo now has to show his versatility. Well in this match he didn't entirely do that. His pace should allow him to get in behind the defence and create separation but his small build allows him to be taken off the ball easily. 5.5/10
Player comparison brought to you by @AirForceReserve between Piatek and Muller! pic.twitter.com/Jf7Lh7q5c6
— International Champions Cup (@IntChampionsCup) July 24, 2019
Krzysztof Piatek: Piatek looked at tad reserved in this match. It didn't seem there was the fire in him which is perfectly understandable because it is the preseason. That cross from Calabria surely would have been put in the net if it was the Serie A season. 6/10
SUBSTITUTES
Andrea Conti: Coming on for the injured Theo Hernandez Conti played in an unnatural position at left back. He came in and was serviceable, he showed he can go forward and didn't make too many mistakes defensively. 6/10
Patrick Cutrone: Another game where our wonder boy doesn't show his promise. His first touch looked poor and after every missed opportunity his body language just looked awful. Not to mention that he missed a golden opportunity on goal. Right now Cutrone isn't looking good. 5/10
Marco Brescianini: N/A
Antonio Mionic: N/A
Now all of these comments should be taken with a grain of salt because it is of course the preseason. There is no doubt that when the starters come back and the team gets fit then they will surely play better. Forza Milan!