AC Milan See Off Bayern On Penalties In Preseason Friendly

AC Milan picked up another positive result on their preseason friendly as they see off German giant, Bayern Munich 5-3 in penalties after drawing 3-3 during 90 minutes time. After winning 2-1 against Bordeaux in their first friendly game, Milan immediately got themselves a tough encounter which they were able to get through in a positive fashion, despite stating that more improvement is still needed from Vincenzo Montella's men but some good signs can already be seen, notably on the fact that players are looking more confident and comfortable with the ball.

Both teams started out the games well, with Milan eventually taking the lead through M'baye Niang, who took full advantage of Holger Badstuber mistake. There are several moments which Rossoneri players including Niang could probably took more advantage, but it's obvious that their fitness level still not there yet especially in putting up constant high pressing which Montella often uses in trying to win the ball early. Unfortunately, the Red and Black squad's bad habit of sitting deep a bit too often cause them problems as Bayern were able to equalize from Franck Ribery's shot from slightly outside of Milan box.

Another similar situation occurred when the Bundesliga outfit turned it around as a long range shot from David Alaba beat Gianluigi Donnarumma on Milan's goal. It was another avoidable goal with a much focus and tighter marking and presumably by losing the habit of sitting deep way too often during games. Nevertheless, it's normal to happen during preseason, especially since it's a habit that happened far too long now. Still, the Red and Black squad continue to look more comfortable when they got the ball, but Montella will surely keen on seeing more constant control which might need more time or maybe additional signings to speed up that process.

After the break, Milan tried to push up more by bringing Juraj Kucka on in place of Ignazio Abate while Andrea Poli being moved into right back position. Kucka's addition made things better for Rossoneri as they were able to win the ball much earlier and set up several dangerous attacking play which eventually resulted in an equalizing goal scored by Andrea Bertolacci. After missing couple of opportunities, Montella's boys got themselves back in front, this time through Juraj Kucka's deflected long range shot. Unfortunately, that lead was canceled just a minute before the final 90 when substitute defender, Jherson Vergara fouled Juan Bernat inside the area and giving Ribery his second goal after converting from the spot.

The 3-3 draw means that both sides have to finish things off with penalty shoot out and Milan eventually won it after Donnarumma saved Rafinha's shot while all Rossoneri kickers did their job well, especially Kucka who scored a cheeky Panenka. Overall, it was a decent result for Montella's side as his players showed positive improvement though their pressing game along with ball retention might still need to be worked on, but that could also be about match fitness as it was just Milan's second preseason game, whereas Bayern already played their fifth friendlies. 

Milan's line up against Bayern Munich:
Donnarumma (g);Abate (Kucka ), Paletta, Romagnoli, Antonelli (Ely); Poli(Vergara), Montolivo(El Hilali), Bertolacci (Zanellato);Bonaventura, Niang(Matri), Suso (Honda)