AC Milan 2-2 Celtic: The First Pre-Season Friendly Ends All Square
Ruben Amorim’s first outing in charge of AC Milan ends in a 2-2 draw against Celtic. A result that, given the inevitable difficulties of a side still deep in pre-season training, hides some encouraging signs for the future — but also a concern, starting with Mario Gila’s injury.
One important context to keep in mind: Celtic are set to kick off their domestic campaign in less than ten days, meaning the Rossoneri faced a side already well ahead in terms of physical and athletic conditioning.
A First Half to Forget: Defensive Errors and Two Goals Conceded
The opening 45 minutes showed a Milan still far from their best, with clear weaknesses in the defensive phase. The two Celtic goals came from fairly basic errors — Strahinja Pavlović was the main culprit, looking physically heavy from the training camp workload, with goalkeeper Torriani and midfielder Samuele Ricci also sharing responsibility.
Amorim set up Milan with Torriani in goal, a back three of Tomori, Gabbia and Pavlović, Bartesaghi on the left flank, and Loftus-Cheek and Filip Kostić in more advanced midfield roles. Kostić showed good intent and interesting movement, but received very few touches and couldn’t make a real impact.
A Bright Second Half: Camarda’s Brace and a Brilliant Chukwueze
The second half told an entirely different story. Amorim made sweeping changes at the break, giving minutes to a range of first-team players and some young Milan Futuro talents. The result? A more energetic, proactive side that fought back impressively to level the score.
The undisputed stars of the second half were Francesco Camarda and Samuel Chukwueze. The young Italian striker delivered a well-taken brace: first converting a penalty with composure, then heading home a precise cross from the Nigerian winger. Chukwueze, for his part, looked in excellent shape: sharp, decisive, capable of beating his man and delivering dangerous deliveries into the box. One of the brightest positives of this pre-season so far.
Among the other substitutes, Youssouf Fofana and Filippo Terracciano also got time on the pitch, alongside some younger players still building their fitness.
The Dark Cloud: Mario Gila Forced Off, Tests Awaited
The most concerning moment of the evening was the early exit of Mario Gila. The Spanish defender, signed this summer and already introduced to the fans with great enthusiasm, was forced off the pitch with a muscular problem in his thigh. The club confirmed he felt a tightening and was withdrawn as a precaution.
Scans are scheduled for tomorrow to assess the extent of the injury. There is a real risk that Gila may not travel with the squad to Australia, with the tour departing on the morning of Sunday, 26 July. In the twenty minutes he played, the former Lazio centre-back showed personality and good positional awareness, making his early departure all the more frustrating.
Muscular issues at this stage of pre-season are not uncommon, often linked to the intense training loads of the summer camp. The Milan medical staff will assess the situation carefully before any decisions are made.
Looking Ahead to Australia: A Milan Side That Is Growing
Putting aside the first-half defensive struggles — largely down to players not yet at full fitness — and Gila’s injury, this first pre-season outing leaves some genuinely encouraging signs. Camarda’s brace underlines the young striker’s growing maturity, while Chukwueze looks ready to play a key role in Amorim’s system.
There is still much work to do, both on the pitch and in the transfer market. But the direction looks positive, and the Australian tour will be another crucial step in building the new AC Milan.
