Three things learned from Milan’s 9-0 win over Perth Glory | OneFootball

Massimiliano Allegri used a four-man defence for the first time against Perth Glory, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek proved he’ll be more than just a mere substitute this season, despite not scoring.

Milan ended their pre-season friendly tour of Asia with a scintillating 9-0 victory against Perth Glory: here are the three things we learned.

Approach

Allegri used a 3-5-2 system in previous games against Arsenal and Liverpool, but this time around he picked a four-man defence and a 4-3-3 system in the first and second half. Milan dominated the game, which wasn’t hard to predict, yet the result and performance surely pleased Allegri, who had demanded a “serious” performance and an “improvement” in “respecting the opponents.” Milan dropped many points against so-called small teams last season, but finished the campaign unbeaten against city rivals Inter and even beat Real Madrid away in the Champions League. Allegri is aware that Milan’s fortunes in 2025-26 will largely depend on their commitment in games against teams from the bottom half of the table, and today’s win was indeed a very good starting point.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – JULY 31: Pervis Estupinan of AC Milan in action during the match between Perth Glory and AC Milan at HBF Park on July 31, 2025 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Beware of Loftus-Cheek

Luka Modric will only join the team in Milanello in the coming days, while Milan remain interested in Ardon Jashari. There is, however, a player who seems like a new signing for the Serie A giants: Loftus-Cheek. Yet again, it’s not entirely surprising because Igli Tare spoke highly of the ex-Chelsea midfielder before the start of the pre-season, calling the Englishman “one of the most complete midfielders in the European panorama.” Loftus-Cheek has started three games from three in the pre-season and even scored against Liverpool this past Saturday. Today, he confirmed to have the skill sets Allegri wants to see from a central midfielder, with late runs, physicality and smart passes that will make him a contender for a starting spot week in, week out.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – JULY 31: Noah Okafor of AC Milan in action during the match between Perth Glory and AC Milan at HBF Park on July 31, 2025 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Who needs strikers?

The Rossoneri travelled to Asia without their centre-forward Santiago Gimenez, who was given extra holidays after international duty with the Mexico national team in July. Furthermore, the Rossoneri are also looking for another centre-forward who will compete with Gimenez for a starting spot next season. Meantime, however, Allegri has made the most of the strikers at his disposal. Leao has scored three goals as a centre-forward in three pre-season friendlies in Asia, while Okafor has managed even more with four. Despite lacking a classic central striker, wingers and midfielders have put Milan forwards in the best conditions to score during pre-season friendlies in Asia. Alex Jimenez was particularly efficient down the left flank today. Allegri is accustomed to using a centre-forward in his teams, so expect more tweaks up front this summer, but the early signs suggest the whole team is moving well and creates chances relatively easily, regardless of the top man in attack.