MILAN’S SUMMER: FROM VARESE TO LONDON
After an initial match against the Primavera, Massimiliano Allegri’s Rossoneri then lost 2-0 to Sannino’s Varese side on 25 July 2010. In what was the tactician’s first year at the club, Milan’s summer had yet to fully ignite. This defeat marked Kaladze’s Milan farewell, while also representing the uphill challenge that lay ahead. There was still half of the transfer market remaining and the Rossoneri supporters were paying close attention to the club’s potential dealings. With all of this in mind, Milan travelled to London to take part in the Emirates Cup – with matches against both Arsenal and Lyon. The Rossoneri defended well in both fixtures, initially drawing 1-1 against Arsenal thanks to a goal from Pato before then also playing out a 1-1 draw with Lyon.
BORRIELLO AND PJANIC
Against a Lyon side coached by Claude Puel and one that’d finished second in Ligue 1 the previous season, Milan concluded the first half tied at 0-0. However, Marco Borriello then fired the Rossoneri in front in the second half. This was Borie’s last-ever goal for Milan after three years in the Rossoneri Academy and six seasons with the First Team. His record consisted of 21 goals in 75 official appearances, 14 of which were scored during the 2009-10 campaign. Facing Borriello and Co. that day was Miralem Pjanic. This was prior to his move to Roma, as the midfielder completed his third and final campaign with Olympique Lyonnais. Since his departure, Pjanic has put in a number of decisive displays against Milan, whether that be for the Giallorossi or Juventus.
