First-Half Tactical Errors Hand Celtic the Lead
According to Sky Sport’s live reporting, AC Milan entered the interval trailing 2-0 after a pair of first-half defensive miscues in build-up play. According to match analysis, Milan attempted to implement a high-pressing defensive structure under Amorim, but Celtic frequently bypassed the pressure as the half progressed. At the 28th minute, another defensive lapse occurred when Samuele Ricci played a backward ball that left Pavlovic and Torriani stranded, enabling Duran to collect the ball and set up James Forrest for a clinical finish inside the area. The first period concluded with Milan registering only one long-range attempt from Mattia Comotto that sailed wide.
Camarda Impact Secures Draw for Milan
According to Sky Sport, Milan manager Rúben Amorim changed all ten outfield players for the second half, introducing a revised 3-4-2-1 formation anchored by young striker Francesco Camarda. The tactical shift paid immediate dividends within the opening minutes of the restart. Just 35 seconds into the second half, Camarda raced onto a low cross from the left flank and drew a foul inside the box. At the 47th minute, Camarda converted the resulting penalty kick with a clean, placed right-footed shot beneath the crossbar to cut the deficit to 2-1. Seven minutes later, at the 52nd minute, Samuel Chukwueze delivered a precise cross from the right wing, which Camarda met with a headed goal to complete his quick-fire double and equalize at 2-2. Camarda continued to threaten with a close-range header that drifted narrowly high and a tight-angled right-footed shot parried away by the Celtic goalkeeper.
Match Statistics and Line-Ups
According to official team sheets provided by Sky Sport, the opening line-ups reflected distinct tactical choices during the summer preparations. Celtic lined up in a 4-3-3 formation featuring Sinisalo in goal; Donovan, Carter-Vickers, Murray, and Tierney across the back line; McCowan, captain McGregor, and Engels in midfield; with Forrest, Duran, and Tounekti forming the forward trio. Milan’s first-half 3-4-2-1 formation included Torriani between the posts; Tomori, Gabbia, and Pavlovic in defense; Athekame, Ricci, Comotto, and Bartesaghi as the four-man midfield; with Loftus-Cheek and Ossola supporting central forward Kostic. For the second half, Amorim substituted eight players at once, maintaining only Torriani, Bartesaghi, and Loftus-Cheek before eventually introducing youth prospects Kevin Zeroli (Vos) and Borsani to complete a total overhaul of the outfield ten by the 60th minute.
Pro Tip
When tracking pre-season friendlies, pay close attention to mass substitutions at half-time. Managers often use these matches to test entire alternative tactical systems rather than preserve match rhythm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Celtic vs. AC Milan friendly?
According to Sky Sport, the match ended in a 2-2 draw after AC Milan erased a two-goal first-half deficit.
Who scored the goals for AC Milan?
According to the match report, Francesco Camarda scored both goals for AC Milan in the second half, netting a penalty at the 47th minute and a header at the 52nd minute.
Who scored for Celtic in the first half?
According to match updates, Benjamin Fredricson Duran scored the opening goal at the 11th minute, followed by James Forrest who scored at the 28th minute.
How many changes did AC Milan make at half-time?
According to Sky Sport, Milan manager Rúben Amorim substituted eight outfield players at the start of the second half, retaining only goalkeeper Torriani, defender Bartesaghi, and midfielder Loftus-Cheek before completing the 10 outfield changes by the 60th minute.
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