MN: Arsenal friendly further demonstrates why Allegri needs help from the mercato

AC Milan were never going to be at 100% for their first summer friendly against Arsenal, but it did magnify some existing concerns.

Milan began their 2025 preseason tour with a defeat against Premier League side Arsenal in Singapore. In what was for large parts a glorified training session, the only goal came early in the second half through Bukayo Saka.

Blunt and confused

MilanNews write that the five-man defence chosen by the head coach Massimiliano Allegri didn’t allow for any kind of attacking play. Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic tried, but they certainly weren’t the right attacking duo for this type of situation.

Max wants a compact, solid team that then creates danger in transition. However, the fact that there was only one shot in target speaks volumes, especially after Arsenal switched to a more youthful side in the second half.

Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images

In addition to the attack being blunted, Yunus Musah gave very few positive signs in midfield. He was always late, never in position and gave the ball away often, including for one chance where Fikayo Tomori bailed him out.

Strahinja Pavlovic was exactly the same as seen last season: aggressive and combative no matter the situation. The qualities are there but they need to be reined in and refined, even if Allegri will appreciate the heart and soul.

So, the issues that Milan came into the game with have not been solved. The attack looks incomplete, the midfield missing some composure and quality, and further doubts about the right centre-back combination(s) have arisen.