In a recent pre-season exhibition match held in Singapore, AC Milan faced off against Premier League hopefuls Arsenal. While Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory in regulation time, the Rossoneri emerged triumphant in the subsequent ceremonial penalty shootout, winning 6-5. Here`s a detailed summary of the players who successfully converted their spot-kicks and those whose attempts were either saved or missed the target.
Both Massimiliano Allegri, managing Milan, and Mikel Arteta, at the helm for Arsenal, opted for robust starting elevens in this Asian warm-up game.
Milan`s squad, despite missing key figures like Youssouf Fofana, Luka Modric, and Santiago Gimenez, deployed a potent attacking duo of Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic. New midfield acquisition Samuele Ricci featured alongside Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Yunus Musah.
Arsenal`s lineup boasted strong names including Italian international Riccardo Calafiori, William Saliba, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Ethan Nwaneri.
The sole goal of the match came in the second half from Arsenal`s Bukayo Saka, sealing a 1-0 victory for the Gunners at Singapore`s National Stadium. However, despite Arsenal`s win in regular play, the friendly proceeded to a penalty shootout, a customary part of these exhibition games. It was in this dramatic contest that Allegri`s Milan side ultimately prevailed with a 6-5 scoreline.
Milan`s 20-year-old goalkeeper, Lorenzo Torriani, was a standout performer, denying three of Arsenal`s nine penalty attempts. He made crucial saves against Martin Odegaard, Reiss Nelson, and Jakub Kiwior. Additionally, 15-year-old Marli Salmon saw his shot go wide.
Arsenal 5-6 Milan Penalty Shootout Summary:
(Arsenal took first)
Arsenal penalties: Odegaard (saved), Zubimendi (scored), Merino (scored), Nelson (saved), Kiwior (saved), Dowman (scored), Trossard (scored), Nichols (scored), Salmon (missed).
Milan penalties: Gabbia (scored), Colombo (saved), Chukwueze (scored), Liberali (saved), Okafor (saved), Magni (scored), Terracciano (scored), Dutu (scored), Comotto (scored).
Final penalty shootout score: Arsenal 5-6 Milan
