Perth, Australia – July 31: AC Milan’s Rubenloftasteak will control the ball during a match between Perth Glory and AC Milan at HBF Park in Perth, Australia on July 31, 2025. (Photo: Paul Kane/Getty Images)
Massimiliano Alegri used four defenses for the first time against Perth’s glory, but Reubenloftasteak proved he’s more than just a substitute this season, despite not scoring.
Milan ended their pre-season Asian friendly tour and earned a 9-0 victory over Perth’s glory. Here are three things we learned:
approach
Allegri used the 3-5-2 system in his previous games with Arsenal and Liverpool, but this time he chose four defenses and a 4-3-3 system in the first and second half. Milan dominated the game, which wasn’t difficult to predict, but the results and performance certainly pleased Allegri, who demanded “serious” performance and “improvement” of “respectating the enemy.” Milan dropped many points against so-called small teams last season, but ended an unbeaten campaign against city rival Inter, beating Real Madrid in the Champions League. Allegri recognizes that Milan’s fate from 2025-26 depends heavily on the game’s commitment to the team from the lower half of the table, and today’s victory was actually a very good starting point.
Beware of loftas teak
Luka Modric will only be joining Milanello’s team in the coming days, but Milan will remain interested in Ardon Jashari. However, there is a player: Loftusteak, who looks like a new signature for the Serie A Giants. Again, that’s not entirely surprising as Igli Tare highly praised the former Chelsea midfielder before the start of the preseason, calling the British “one of the most complete midfielders in Europe’s panorama.” Loftus-Cheek started three games in the preseason with three innings, playing Liverpool last Saturday. Today he confirmed that Allegri has the skill set he wants to see from the central midfielder. With late runs, physicality and smart pass, he will become a competitor for the week’s Start Spot Week.
Who needs a striker?
Rossonelli traveled to Asia without centre forward Santiago Gimenez, who was given an extra holiday after an international obligation with the Mexican national team in July. Additionally, Rossonelli is also looking for another centre forward to compete with Gimenez at his starting spot next season. But during that time, Allegri made the most of the striker at his freedom. Leao scored three goals as centre forward in three Asian preseason friendlys, but Okafor managed further with four. Despite a lack of classic central strikers, the winger and midfielder advanced Milan to the best conditions to score during their preseason friendly matches in Asia. Alex Zimenez was particularly efficient on his left flank today. Allegri is used to using center forwards with his team, so expect more adjustments this summer. However, early signs suggest that the entire team is working well and creates opportunities relatively easily regardless of the top man on the offensive.
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