Keisuke Honda gave Milan a surprise 1-0 win over Juventus in the opening Trofeo TIM mini-match.
This is a traditional pre-season tournament with three 45-minute games. They get three points for a victory, two for a win on penalties and one for losing a shoot-out.
Keisuke Honda gave Milan a surprise 1-0 win over Juventus in the opening Trofeo TIM mini-match.
This is a traditional pre-season tournament with three 45-minute games. They get three points for a victory, two for a win on penalties and one for losing a shoot-out.
The first match was the biggest and also gave Allegri his first opportunity to face former club Milan, who were still smarting from Mario Balotelli’s sale to Liverpool.
Milan had a very aggressive start with Andrea Poli and Jeremy Menez efforts charged down in quick succession. Paul Pogba hit a weak effort straight at Diego Lopez and Patrice Evra crucially stopped Keisuke Honda tapping in on the counter.
Sulley Muntari wasted a golden opportunity when pouncing on a Leonardo Bonucci howler, as he ballooned the half-volley high and wide.
Diego Lopez did well to save from point-blank range until Sebastian Giovinco wandered offside in a chaotic move.
Milan eventually broke through when Mattia De Sciglio burst down the left and pulled back for Honda’s well-taken strike from 12 yards.
Honda also curled a free kick just over the bar, while at the other end Giovinco just failed to get a touch to Pogba’s assist from close range.
This victory gives Milan three points. It also means the next game in the Trofeo TIM this evening will be between Juventus and hosts Sassuolo.
Juventus 0-1 Milan
Scorers: Honda 30 (M)
Juventus: Storari; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Ogbonna, Evra; Pirlo, Vidal, Pogba; Marchisio, Tevez, Giovinco
Milan: Diego Lopez; Abate, Alex, Bonera, De Sciglio; Poli, Muntari, Essien; Honda, Pazzini, Menez