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AC Milan’s preseason tour of Asia and Australia has just concluded, and we were able to see further signs regarding Massimiliano Allegri’s approach.
The tour began with a 1-0 defeat against Arsenal at the Singapore National Stadium. It was a bit of a game of attack against defence with the Gunners peppering the goal, resulting in 23 shots to three overall, and Bukayo Saka got the winner.
A few days later in Hong Kong, Milan clicked into gear and scored four past the Premier League champions Liverpool. Rafael Leao got the opener, Ruben Loftus-Cheek netted in the first half then Noah Okafor bagged a second-half brace.
The finale came in Western Australia against Perth Glory, and it was an absolute rout. Okafor and Leao got braces in either half, while Filippo Terracciano, Christian Comotto, Samuel Chukwueze, Samuele Ricci and Yunus Musah also scored in a 9-0 victory.
So, what did we learn from the trio of games out in the Far East? Rohit Rajeev has picked out some of the interesting points…
Ricci’s obvious role
Ricci was the first signing of the summer transfer window and was also the first piece of the midfield jigsaw that needed rebuilding after Tijjani Reijnders left.
From just the small sample size that we have available, it is obvious that the Italian is seen by Allegri as somewhat of a facilitator. He shields the defence, keeps things tidy, is efficient and intelligent on the ball.
In the Arsenal game, Ricci finds Leão between the lines, but it’s the counter-movements that kill the London club.
Pulisic flicks and runs unmarked, Leão drops to receive square-on – body positioned to scan – then slips it through. A third-man combo built on timing, spacing, and fluency.
In the Liverpool match, Ricci breaks the press by slipping the ball to Musah between the lines. Musah recycles to Gabbia, who plays it to Terracciano.
Terracciano switches play to Bartesaghi, who chips it into Okafor. Okafor and Leão make counter movements, then Okafor finds space behind Liverpool’s last man.
— Rohit Rajeev (@RohitRajee23232) July 30, 2025
This kind of dynamic movement will be important against sides that are content to sit deep and play a low block. Through smart interchanges, players and lines can be pulled and stretch to create space for others to run into.
Pressing and shape
Another important indication came from the formations used. Against the two English sides, Allegri relied on a 3-5-2 on paper that doubled as a 5-4-1, one of the reasons that brought some stability at the back.
Against Perth, however, the 4-3-3 was chosen. This is what is commonly expected to be the main system moving forward and it was used in a game the Diavolo were called upon to dominate, with less chance exploit the spaces on the counter-attack and more chance to build up.
The nine goals show they did just that, so now will be interesting to see if this approach can be repeated, firstly against Leeds United and Chelsea, and then when competitive action begins.
Milan’s pressing vs. Liverpool was surgical. Every passing lane was shut down, suffocating the Reds until Konaté gave the ball away in the example below.
— Rohit Rajeev (@RohitRajee23232) July 28, 2025
Milan’s 4-4-2 off the ball looked sharp: compact, no space between the lines, and the centre locked down. Impressive defensive organisation.
Taking chances
There was something interesting regarding shot efficiency in the win over Liverpool. Milan had 80% on target (8/10) while Liverpool had 41% on target (7/17).
Milan did not shoot often, but shot effectively when they did. Wastefulness is something that has plagued the Rossoneri in recent seasons, and with Allegri’s style converting chances will become crucial.
One for the future
We must conclude with a bit on Comotto, who is just 17 years of age but is already believed to have gained the attention of Allegri with what he has shown in training in terms of effort but also quality.
In Western Australia the central midfielder won a penalty and converted from the spot with a beautiful lob. In his 45 minutes played he also had 97% pass accuracy, two key passes, 36 touches, none passes into final third, four interceptions and four of five ground duels won.
Comotto showed elite football IQ under pressure in the instance below. The midfielder calmly helps Milan escape the press and reset the play.
— Rohit Rajeev (@RohitRajee23232) August 1, 2025
It is believed that a loan move to Spezia awaits for the teenager, who would be able to learn his trade at a decent level in Serie B, and develop what is very obvious talent.
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