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AC Milan took on Shamrock Rovers in their first competitive game of the 2020/21 campaign in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League. The team travelled to the Republic of Ireland for the one-off knockout clash and faced a fierce opposition. Zlatan Ibrahimovic opened the scoring in the game and for the campaign with a stunning low shot after playing a brilliant one-two with Hakan Calhanoglu. The Turkey international did incredibly well to pick out the final pass with an awkward turn and poke. Milan dominated possession in general and had a number of opportunities to add a second or even third goal throughout the game but Samu Castillejo was foiled twice in one-on-one situations whilst Alexis Saelemaekers clearly left his shooting boots at home as he missed every single opportunity either through a wild swing or missing the goal by a mile.
In the second half, Franck Kessie pressing paid off when he won the ball in Shamrock’s half and initiated a sequence of play that got Milan into the box where Kessie passed to Saelemaekers who laid off the ball perfectly for Calhanoglu who slotted into the top right corner with a well balanced striker. This was a top notch display from the trequartista. Gianluigi Donnarumma was called in to make a number of saves as veterna striker Aaron Greene demonstrated his wicked shot from tight angles and as Matteo Gabbia’s inexperience was exposed. Overall, the game was a good tempered display from the Rossoneri who always looked in control and have won qualification to the next round.
AC Milan and Italian Football Links
- Milan midfielder could be sold to Freiburg after UEL clash. [AC Milan Offside]
- Form, Players to Watch and Prediction for Shamrock Rovers tie. [AC Milan Offside]
- Brazil international is wanted by Lyon as Milan exclude him from squad. [AC Milan Offside]
- Stefano Pioli comments on the transfer window thus far. [AC Milan Offside]