Allegri: Arsenal ‘one of the best’ in Europe, ‘important’ Estupinan for Milan | OneFootball

Massimiliano Allegri was happy to see his Milan side ‘play on a par’ against Arsenal ‘for 60 minutes’ and welcomed Pervis Estupiñán: ‘An important player.’

Allegri spoke with reporters in Singapore after Milan’s 1-0 loss against Arsenal in their first pre-season friendly in Asia.

“It was a good training match against one of the best teams in Europe. I’m happy with what I saw, even if we’re just 15 days into the pre-season preparation,” the Italian tactician said, via Gazzetta.

Allegri comments on Milan loss vs Arsenal

SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE – JULY 23: Kai Havertz Of Arsenal is challenged by Davide Bartesaghi of AC Milan during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Arsenal FC and AC Milan at National Stadium on July 23, 2025 in Singapore. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)

“I saw willingness from the players. We raised our level of sacrifice when we didn’t have the ball. We had some open-field chances we should have made better use of. There’s undoubtedly room for improvement, but I’m pleased with what we did.”

While Milan were playing in Singapore, a new signing, Brighton defender Estupinan, landed in Milan to undergo his medical tests with the Serie A giants.

He will join his new teammates in Asia in the coming days to continue the pre-season with them after signing his contract.

The 27-year-old will complete a permanent €19m transfer.

Allegri welcomes Estupinan

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – MARCH 29: Pervis Estupinan of Brighton & Hove Albion looks o during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest at Amex Stadium on March 29, 2025 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

“He’s an important player, but Bartesaghi put in a good performance against a top-class player like Saka,” said Allegri.

Rafael Leao played as a centre-forward and Allegri was satisfied with the Portuguese star’s performance.

“Leao did very well, just like the rest of the team. I’m satisfied,” said Allegri.

SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE – JULY 23: Rafael Leao of AC Milan is challenged by Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Arsenal FC and AC Milan at National Stadium on July 23, 2025 in Singapore. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)

“When we lose, even if it’s a friendly, I’m never entirely happy, but now it’s important to prepare well for the rest of the season. We have to consider that we were up against one of the best sides in Europe. We played on par with them for 60 minutes; that’s no small thing.”

Milan’s next friendly game is against Liverpool in  Hong Kong on July 23.

Their Asia-Pacific pre-season Tour will end on July 31 with a friendly against Perth Glory in Perth.