Alexandre Pato’s goal has given Milan victory against Paris Saint-Germain on Carlo Ancelotti’s debut, as Gennaro Gattuso also made his comeback.
Alexandre Pato’s goal has given Milan victory against Paris Saint-Germain on Carlo Ancelotti’s debut, as Gennaro Gattuso also made his comeback.
The two clubs clashed in Dubai during training schedules over the winter break and all eyes were on The Duck, who has been heavily linked with a €45m move to PSG.
It was also the debut on the bench for former Milan Coach Ancelotti, who was given a nasty surprise by one of the players he brought to San Siro during his Rossoneri tenure.
It took just four minutes for Pato to break the deadlock, making the most of a splendid Zlatan Ibrahimovic assist.
The French side pushed forward, but Antonio Nocerino came closest to getting a second goal during the first half, as he rattled the woodwork after 18 minutes.
After the break Coach Massimiliano Allegri completely revamped the line-up and gave Gattuso his first appearance since September, when he was diagnosed with a rare eye condition.
Pippo Inzaghi also returned as a partner for Stephan El-Shaarawy, but Paris Saint-Germain were more effective in this half and Nene forced Christian Abbiati into two tough saves.
Milan 1-0 Paris Saint-Germain
Scorers: Pato 4 (M)
Milan First Half: Amelia; De Sciglio, Mexes, Thiago Silva, Taiwo; Aquilani, Van Bommel, Nocerino; Robinho; Ibrahimovic, Pato
PSG: Sirigu (Douchez 46); Ceara (Bahebeck 68), Bisevac (Lugano 46), Sakho (Camara 46), Tienè; Jallet, Bodmer (Kebano 82), Sissoko; Nenè (Landre 84), Pastore; Hoarau (Erdinc 46)
Milan Second Half:Abbiati; Zambrotta, Nesta, Bonera, Antonini; Gattuso, Ambrosini, Emanuelson; Valoti (Carmona 75); El Shaarawy, Inzaghi