As pre-season rolls on, Milan made a loud statement in Hong Kong with a resounding 4-2 win over Premier League champions Liverpool, suggesting that Massimiliano Allegri’s return is already yielding tactical clarity and sharper performances. But one moment in particular hinted that Milan’s attacking engine is starting to click—with a key contribution from one of their most high-profile stars.
Following a narrow 1-0 defeat to Arsenal earlier in the week, Allegri stuck to his guns. He made only two changes to the lineup and maintained his new-look 3-5-2 system, trusting consistency over experimentation. That decision paid off. From the opening minutes, Milan looked compact, confident, and lethal on the break.
Their efforts were rewarded early, and it was a familiar duo who did the damage.
“It only took ten minutes for Milan to break through Liverpool’s lines,” reports CBS Sports Golazo. “Christian Pulisic threaded a perfect pass from midfield that released Rafael Leao, who exploded into space and beat Alisson with a ferocious left-footed finish into the roof of the net.”
The goal was not just a tactical triumph, but also an emotional one. Leao dedicated it to Diogo Jota, his Portugal teammate who tragically passed away this summer, by forming his hands into the shape of the number 20 shirt Jota wore.
Defensive warnings but offensive precision
Milan’s attacking transitions were sharp but not flawless. Szoboszlai leveled for Liverpool with a curling strike, and Salah nearly added another. Still, the Rossoneri looked more composed than against Arsenal, showing Allegri’s focus on discipline. Pulisic threatened again before halftime, nearly creating a second goal amid box chaos cleared by Alisson.
Allegri’s halftime changes paid off immediately. Leao set up Loftus-Cheek for a strong finish, and Okafor added a third from a Saelemaekers cross. Gakpo’s header gave Liverpool hope, but Tsimikas’ poor back-pass gifted Okafor a second, sealing a 4-2 win for the Italian side.
Pulisic’s subtle impact and Allegri’s stamp
While much of the post-match attention fell on Leao and Okafor, Christian Pulisic’s performance deserves the spotlight. His precise long ball to assist Leao marked his first pre-season goal contribution—a crucial moment that could set the tone for his second season at the club.
The experienced Italian boss has clearly asked more from his forwards in this new system. Leao is being positioned as the focal point of counters, while Pulisic is being relied upon to connect midfield transitions with fast attacking surges.
The American’s ability to drift inside, combine, and release runners makes him a vital tool in Allegri’s attacking plan. His role may not always yield immediate goals, but his fingerprints are increasingly visible in Milan’s buildup.
