With their second Derby della Madonnina win of the season, Milan cut Inter’s lead at the top of Serie A to seven points. A win for Inter would have put them 13 points ahead, a perhaps unassailable lead, but they looked completely out of control for the entire game.

Luka Modric had a trademark performance at the heart of almost everything Milan produced. He was on hand to scare Inter in the opening few minutes as Yann Sommer’s wayward pass rolled out to Christian Pulisic, but Modric’s shot was just wide.

It was a sign of things to come for Inter, who created nothing.

It felt as if Christian Chivu and Massimiliano Allegri were in complete reverse from the beginning, with the former getting his gameplan completely wrong and the latter getting it spot on.

In the 34th minute, Youssouf Fofana played a wonderful pass into the path of Pervis Estupinan, who smashed the ball into the top of the net and Sommer was helpless to stop him.

From there, Milan were in complete control aside from moments of frenzied attacks that Inter attempted intermittently.

Milan blocked every inroad that Inter tried to make, covering the passing lanes and killing their threats from the wings with organised defending.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Federico Dimarco both had golden chances to score, the latter of which made a criminal miss from inside the box and hit the ball far over the bar.

Milan defended immensely and as Inter tried to force the ball in late with shot after shot, they withstood under pressure and secured a stunning win.

Inter were chasing a victory which would have sent them top and started positively, but could not create any clear-cut chances.

In a half of few opportunities, Inter came closest when Francesco Acerbi’s header clipped the post in between two excellent Maignan saves to deny Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez.

Having weathered the first-half storm, Milan struck on the counter 10 minutes into the second half when Yann Sommer fumbled Alexis Saelmaeker’s shot straight into the path of Pulisic, who tapped into the empty net.

Inter looked to respond immediately and amped up the pressure, before Thuram won a penalty with 15 minutes remaining after he was caught on the foot by Strahinja Pavlovic.

Hakan Calhanoglu stepped up to take, but Maignan dived to his right to preserve Milan’s lead.

Inter huffed and puffed, but could not get close to scoring, allowing Milan to take the spoils in the derby and extend their unbeaten streak against Inter to six matches.

The forward has signed a five-year deal at the San Siro that runs until June 2030 for a total package reportedly worth £36.2million (€42m).

Nkunku leaves Stamford Bridge after scoring 18 goals and registering five assists in 62 appearances across all competitions.

The 27-year-old leaves west London after winning a UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup double.

He made his most significant impact in Europe’s tertiary cup competition, scoring five goals and taking three assists in nine appearances.

Nkunku’s last appearance came as a substitute in the 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup final, and scored his last goal in a 4-1 extra-time win against Benfica in the last 16.

Enzo Maresca omitted Nkunku from Chelsea’s first two matchday squads, as speculation increased about the Frenchman’s seemingly imminent departure.

Nicolas Jackson is widely expected to be the next player out the door at Stamford Bridge, with Bayern Munich agreeing to sign the Senegalese frontman on an initial loan deal.

Milan endured a dismal 2024/25 campaign after missing out in European qualification completely following an eighth-place finish in Serie A.

They started this season with a 2-0 win over Leece on Friday, with former Chelsea players Christian Pulisic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek on the scoresheet.

The Rossoneri have taken steps to bolster their forward line this summer, but were left frustrated when Victor Boniface’s proposed move from Bayer Leverkusen fell through due to a failed medical.

Nkunku arrives at the San Siro with an impressive trophy laden CV, that includes three Ligue 1 titles, two French Cups and two German Cups from his spells at PSG and RB Leipzig respectively.

Chelsea begin life without Nkunku when they host Fulham at Stamford Bridge.

The Denmark forward was left out of the matchday squad for United’s 1-0 home defeat by Arsenal on Sunday.

It is understood coach Ruben Amorim took the decision amid intense speculation over the 22-year-old’s future.

While Hojlund has previously expressed a strong desire to remain at United, the arrival of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig for £73.7m means his opportunities are likely to be severely restricted.

“Hojlund is a good option for us,” Tare told Sport Mediaset before Sunday’s 2-0 win over Bari in the Coppa Italia.

“We are evaluating him these days, but the transfer market is unpredictable.

“We know that we have to intervene in that position and we also know that they must be players who can give something more to this group.”

He also confirmed interest in Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic.

The unpredictable nature of January transfers has created volatile betting markets across the region, with betting sites in Morocco leading North African bookmakers in offering competitive odds on Serie A’s most coveted strikers like Hojlund and Vlahovic.

Hojlund was left on the bench for the final pre-season friendly against Fiorentina on 9 August, even though Sesko’s only involvement was to be paraded before kick-off as Mason Mount occupied a false nine slot.

Mount started in that role on Sunday, with Sesko and fellow striker Joshua Zirkzee on the bench.

Sesko came on to make his debut with 25 minutes remaining.

“It is a fight for places,” Amorim said after the defeat.

“We’ll see what is going to happen in the market. There are different characteristics. Rasmus has the same characteristics of Benjamin Sesko, so we need to choose.”

Hojlund, who joined for £72m two years ago, was United’s main striker last season and scored 10 goals in 52 games.

His debut campaign brought 16 goals after his move from Italian side Atalanta.

The move to drop Hojlund has been backed by United’s leadership.

Amorim has spent £200m on a completely revamped forward line, with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha set to fill the two number 10 slots Amorim prefers.

In addition to Mount, England international Kobbie Mainoo could also play as a false nine – while Bruno Fernandes did the job successfully in the 2024 FA Cup final.

On United’s pre-season tour of the United States, Cunha filled the number nine role – although he also tended to drop deeper.

Seventeen-year-old Chido Obi featured for the first team at the end of last season, although at his stage of his development it is thought unlikely he would be regarded as a regular stater, with his involvement is more likely as a substitute.

The Blues’ 2024/25 campaign finished with the Club World Cup final only 28 days earlier and their second friendly came just 48 hours after the first, a 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen.

An own goal from Andrei Coubis, two from Liam Delap and one from Joao Pedro sealed an impressive victory for Enzo Maresca’s side.

There was concern, however, for defender Trevoh Chalobah, who rolled his ankle early in the second half.

He managed to walk off and take a seat on the bench, but it will be a concern for Chelsea, who recently saw Levi Colwill sustain an ACL injury.

In their final friendly before the Premier League opener against Crystal Palace – which is live on Sky Sports next Sunday – there was no sign of any fatigue for the Blues.

Reece James’ free-kick hit the feet of Andrei Coubis and crossed the line before he had time to do anything about it and, within two minutes, Joao Pedro lost his marker and guided nodded Pedro Neto’s curling ball home with ease.

It got worse for Milan when Coubis was deservedly shown a straight red card on 18 minutes after clumsily hauling Joao Pedro down when he was through on goal.

With the visitors offering very little, Chelsea probably could have added more before the break; Cole Palmer hit the post with one free-kick, saw another effort go inches wide, then sent a scissor-kick volley across the face of goal. Instead, they slowed the play down and conserved energy in the latest UK heatwave.

And to sum up a largely-forgettable first half, the Serie A giants had a tidy Rafael Leao header ruled out for offside in the build-up.

Shortly after Chalobah’s aforementioned exit, substitute Estevao Willian won a penalty after being bundled over, which Liam Delap hammered low to goalkeeper Mike Maignan’s right.

The lead was quickly reduced to two again, though, as Youssouf Fofana beat Robert Sanchez at his near post to give the travelling Milan contingent something to shout about.

But Chelsea showed they are ready to hit the ground running next week when Delap scored his second with a clinical first-time finish after Andrey Santos’ sumptuous pass to tee him him.

Joao Pedro happy for Delap

Chelsea forward Joao Pedro speaking to Channel 5:

“I am very happy to score at Stamford Bridge. I think I enjoyed this pre-season, two goals in two games. Now, we need to rest and start well in the Premier League.”

Asked about applauding the goals by Liam Delap and the competition between them:

“I don’t want to say competition, I think it is very good for Chelsea to have both strikers at a good level. In the last game, he did not score. Today, he scored two goals. I am very happy for him.”

James: Everyone is excited

Chelsea captain Reece James speaking to 5:

“It is always a sign when you lift a trophy. We finished last season really strong with two trophies. It is a good feeling at the moment.

“We are confident. We are world champions. We have had a really difficult period in the last two years and we have come a long way. This season, everyone is excited. We are in a good position.”

It is just over a week since the Denmark forward made a point of speaking to journalists after he scored in a 4-1 friendly victory over Bournemouth in Chicago to state his intention to remain at Old Trafford, even if there was increased competition for his place in the Ruben Amorim’s side.

However, United have since agreed terms with RB Leipzig for Slovenia international Benjamin Sesko, with the likelihood he will be introduced to the crowd at Old Trafford before Saturday’s lunchtime friendly with Serie A outfit Fiorentina.

A number of clubs are thought to have expressed an interest in Hojlund, 23, in the knowledge United are willing to negotiate over his release.

It is understood Milan are keen, although they would only want a loan initially as they, like United, are hindered financially by an absence from European competition this season.

Sources suggest the Serie A side are willing to pay an initial 4m euros (£3.47m) loan fee, with an additional option to buy next summer for 40m (£34.7m).

Whether that is acceptable to United is open to doubt, although it is anticipated there will be more clarity on the situation in the coming week.

Milan open their Serie A campaign against Cremonese on 23 August.

The 39-year-old midfielder has signed a contract until June 2026, with the Italian side having the option to trigger a one-year extension.

Modric announced in May he would be leaving Spanish giants Real after the Club World Cup in the United States.

Speaking to Milan’s social media, he said he was very happy “to be starting a new chapter” of his career.

Massimiliano Allegri, who has returned for a second stint as Milan boss after replacing Sergio Conceicao, called Modric an “extraordinary player” when confirming the Croatia captain would join earlier this month.

Modric, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2018, won 28 trophies – including six Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles – with Real after his move from Tottenham in 2012, making him the club’s most decorated player.

He scored 43 goals in 597 games at Real and his final match was their 4-0 semi-final defeat by Paris St-Germain in the Club World Cup last week.

Modric is keen to play at next year’s World Cup, which takes place in Canada, Mexico and the US.

Milan finished eighth in Serie A last season and missed out on a spot in Europe.

The Netherlands international is Pep Guardiola’s fourth summer signing with Rayan Ait-Nouri, Marcus Bettinelli and Rayan Cherki having also joined.

Reijnders, 26, was signed in time to be eligible for this month’s Club World Cup in America and could make his debut on 18 June against Wydad FC.

“I am ecstatic to be signing for Manchester City,” Reijnders said. “City are one of the biggest teams in the world, with the best coach, world-class players and outstanding facilities.

“Under Pep Guardiola, City have won so many titles and I want to help keep that going with a lot more success in the coming years.”

The midfielder has been capped 22 times by the Netherlands but was left on the bench during Tuesday night’s 8-0 thrashing of Malta.

He scored 15 goals in 54 matches across all competitions for Milan last term and was named Serie A’s midfielder of the season.

With Kevin de Bruyne departing the club, Reijnders will strengthen the centre of the pitch for Guardiola as they look to improve on their third-placed Premier League finish last season.

City boost squad for Club World Cup

A question being asked in the lead up to the Club World Cup was how seriously teams would be taking the expanded competition.

Manchester City have emphatically answered that question by moving quickly to bolster a wounded squad that will now hope to go far in the competition in the United States.

With De Bruyne departing and a hole left in attacking midfield, City were eyeing up Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz but decided not to pursue a deal.

Instead, they have boosted the side with the signings of midfielder Reijnders and Cherki and left-back Ait-Nouri for a total of around £108m, which is less than the reported 150m Euros (£127m) asking price for the Germany international.

All three, plus new goalkeeper Bettinelli, are available for selection for the Club World Cup with City facing Moroccan side Wydad AC in Philadelphia first on 18 June.

‘He will love working with Guardiola’

Reijnders joins City in a period which feels like a revolution rather than a renewal, and one that may require a revolving door at the Etihad over the next few months.

Attacking midfielder Cherki has already joined, while midfielders Kalvin Phillips, James McAtee and Jack Grealish have all been tipped to leave the club, along with defender Kyle Walker who spent the latter part of last season out on loan.

The squad also includes Ederson, Stefan Ortega, Nathan Ake and John Stones, whose futures have also been the topic of much media speculation.

Finding the right time to replace ageing stars like Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva and the injured Mateo Kovacic in City’s midfield will also surely be in Guardiola’s thinking.

Despite the £50m acquisition of Nico Gonzalez in February, the lack of running power and physicality in City’s engine room was exposed last season as they failed to win a major trophy for the first time in eight years.

Reijnders, who turns 27 in July, is viewed as the man to help alter that dynamic.

A powerful box-to-box midfielder, Reijnders ended last season with 10 goals and four assists in Serie A, with only one player in his position, Napoli’s Scott McTominay (16), having more goal involvements.

His performances were also considered one of the few positives in a disappointing season for Milan, who finished eighth in Serie A and missed out on European qualification.

Reijnders was ranked ninth for forward passes in Italy’s top flight last term and was fifth for through balls and carrying the ball.

“He will slot in very well at City, he runs a lot, he’s very willing to improve and he will love working with Guardiola,” said Italian football journalist Daniele Verri.

“He improved a lot since his first season at AC Milan.”

The 26-year-old will sign a five-year contract at Etihad Stadium after agreeing personal terms with City.

The deal, which is subject to a medical, includes additional payments if certain clauses are met.

City hope to complete a deal for Reijnders in time for the Club World Cup, which kicks off on 14 June.

His arrival will strengthen an area of the pitch that has been weakened by injury to Mateo Kovacic, who has been ruled out of the 32-team tournament in the United States after undergoing Achilles surgery.

Midfielder Kevin de Bruyne is also expected not to be involved in the tournament, with a move to Serie A champions Napoli looking increasingly likely.

Who is Reijnders?

Capped 22 times for the Netherlands, Reijnders is the type of balanced midfielder that City lacked last season.

The Dutchman scored 15 goals in 54 matches across all competitions for Milan last term, helping him to be named Serie A’s midfielder of the season.

His performances came against the backdrop of Milan’s dismal campaign as the Rossoneri finished eighth and missed out on European qualification.

It was the best goalscoring season of Reijnders’ career, with the 26-year-old hitting double digits for the first time.

But the former AZ Alkmaar midfielder, who made his senior debut for PEC Zwolle in 2018, is far more than just goals.

Capable of playing deep or high in midfield, Reijnders’ appeal to a coach like Pep Guardiola is clear.

The midfielder is capable of taking the ball in tight areas and is adept at beating the press either through his passing or ball-carrying.

With Rodri returning from injury towards the end of last season, Reijnders could either play alongside the Spaniard or in a more advanced role.

But the main benefit he will bring is giving Guardiola greater options in midfield.

Milan confirmed Conceicao’s sacking on Thursday, with the Portuguese’s stint in charge having lasted just five months.

Conceicao led Milan to Supercoppa Italiana glory in his first week in charge, but they failed to qualify for Europe after an eighth-place finish in Serie A, while they also lost the Coppa Italia final to Bologna.

Allegri has now been confirmed as Conceicao’s replacement, with the former Juventus coach returning to Milan for a second stint in charge.

He led Milan to the Serie A title in 2010-11, also winning the Supercoppa Italiana, but was sacked in 2014.

Allegri’s last job was at Juve, having overseen the Bianconeri between 2021 and 2024, and previously between 2014 and 2019, when he won five straight Serie A titles.

According to reports in the Italian media, Allegri has penned a two-year deal with Milan.

Former manager Massimiliano Allegri, who spent four years in charge at San Siro between 2010 and 2014, is reportedly set for a return.

Conceicao, 50, was handed the job last December after the sacking of Paulo Fonseca and signed an 18-month deal.

He won 11 trophies in six years at Porto and won the Italian Super Cup with Milan just a week after taking the job.

But they lost the Coppa Italia final to Bologna, and their league form never really picked up.

Under Conceicao, they finished in eighth place – meaning no European football next season – while rivals Inter play Paris St-Germain in this weekend’s Champions League final.

Milan said: “The club would like to thank Sergio and his staff for their commitment, professionalism and dedication in leading the team in recent months.

“The Rossoneri family bids farewell to the coach who contributed to the conquest of the 50th trophy in Milan’s history, wishing him the best for his future.”

The Rossoneri last won this trophy in 2003, while it was the Rossoblu’s first Final in 51 years, but it was also precious for guaranteeing Europa League qualification.

Santiago Castro, Ndoye and Emil Holm returned to the starting XI, with Giovanni Fabbian preferred to Jens Odgaard, leaving Martin Erlic and Estanis Pedrola on the treatment table. Youssouf Fofana and Rafael Leao were back in the line-up, with only Riccardo Sottil and Warren Bondo injured for the showdown on neutral turf at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

Bizarrely, these teams already met last Friday in Serie A, Milan emerging 3-1 winners at San Siro.

Within three minutes, Rafael Leao had turned Jhon Lucumi inside out to pull back from the by-line, but Alex Jimenez could only fire over from six yards under pressure.

Mike Maignan came flying off his line to smother at the feet of Riccardo Orsolini, despite the very tight offside call, while Maignan got down to palm the Castro glancing header off the line.

Lukasz Skorupski needed sensational reactions to parry both the deflected Alex Jimenez cross off Sam Beukema and the Luka Jovic rebound from point-blank range.

Maignan smothered a Holm header on a corner and Milan immediately countered, Lewis Ferguson booked for bringing down Rafael Leao, getting his nose accidentally smashed in the process. Moments later, the Rossoneri were furious when they felt Ferguson should’ve received a second yellow card for his coming together with Christian Pulisic, but the decision went against them, and the American was booked instead for dissent.

After the restart, Leao squirmed away from Holm to roll across for Jovic, intercepted crucially by Lucumi, but it was Bologna who took the lead.

Orsolini sprung the offside trap on a through ball and was tackled by Theo Hernandez, but it fell to Ndoye who managed to control and smash into the net from 11 yards to open the scoring.

When these teams faced off in Serie A on Friday, Bologna had also taken the lead, only for Milan to turn it around after moving to a four-man defence. Sergio Conceicao made similar changes here, introducing Santiago Gimenez, Kyle Walker and Joao Felix.

Fofana surged forward only to over-hit the pass for Jovic, who hit the side-netting, while Joao Felix horribly scuffed his finish on the Tijjani Reijnders pull-back, then Santiago Gimenez did the same on the Theo Hernandez assist.

Ndoye drilled wide from a promising position, but Milan didn’t do enough to get back into the game and continue their record of being the club with the most Coppa Italia runner-up medals, this being their 10th.

Santiago Gimenez hit five for Feyenoord in the league phase but now in Rossoneri, the Mexican pulled the hosts level in the tie within 40 seconds from an expertly crafted set-piece play involving Christian Pulisic and Malick Thiaw as Milan dominated the first half in stark contrast to the first leg.

However, despite Pulisic, Rafael Leao and Joao Felix carving injury-depleted Feyenoord open at will at times in the first-half, Milan couldn’t find that all-important second goal to take control of the tie as the visitors grimly hung on through a determined rearguard action led by captain David Hancko.

And having been booked just before half-time for lashing out at an opponent, Hernandez gave the Club on the Meuse an avenue back into the contest when he hurled himself to the San Siro turf after a textbook Givairo Read tackle didn’t touch the Frenchman.

With their eleven starters boasting an average age of just 23, Feyenoord didn’t need a second invitation and quickly took control of the game culminating in a headed goal from substitute (and Gimenez’s former understudy at De Kuip) Julian Carranza from an inch-perfect cross, meaning they will face Arsenal or Inter Milan for a place in the quarter-finals.

On a night where the Serie A giants were far from their best, it was ultimately a goalkeeping howler that decided the tie.

Amid the backdrop of lashing rain, the greasy surface got the better of Mike Maignan, as Igor Paixao’s seemingly innocuous strike from range was palmed into the net just three minutes in.

Feyenoord endured the worst-possible preparation for the crucial European tie, sacking their manager Brian Priske and appointing under-21 coach Pascal Bosschaart as interim – who confessed before the match to not knowing the squad “at all”.

But the hosts ultimately bossed their Italian counterparts, with Paixao getting the better of Kyle Walker to force numerous dangerous chances – notably also hitting the crossbar from range after cutting in from the left.

Feyenoord ultimately looked the more likely to further their advantage, but could not find a clinical edge – though will be more than happy with a slender victory given their 12 absentees through injury.

The Italian side have paid a £5m loan fee for Felix, with no obligation to buy the 25-year-old Portugal international in the summer.

Though the deal was only announced on Tuesday, the required paperwork was submitted in advance of Monday’s Serie A and Premier League transfer deadline.

Felix signed a seven-year contract when he moved to Chelsea on a £45m permanent deal in August, having had a loan spell at Stamford Bridge during the second half of the 2022-23 season.

He has only started three Premier League matches this campaign, though regularly featured in cup competitions, scoring seven goals.

The forward began his career at Benfica and moved for £113m to Atletico Madrid in July 2019, a deal which at the time was the fifth-most expensive transfer in history.

He spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Barcelona before his move back to Stamford Bridge last summer.

Milan, eighth in Serie A, play Roma in the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia on Wednesday and have a two-legged play-off against Feyenoord in the Champions League this month.

Multiple reports state that the deal includes the option for the Serie A giants to sign the 34-year-old permanently in the summer.

Walker has won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and a UEFA Champions League since joining City from Tottenham in 2017.

The England international said that it was a dream come true to have played for the club in a farewell post on social media.

“Manchester City… where do I start? Signing for this incredible club in 2017 was a dream come true,” he said on Instagram.

“Seven years later, winning 17 trophies, including the Champions League and the famous treble is something I could only have dreamt as a child.

“To play alongside so many top players has pushed me to be the best version of myself, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity I’ve had at the Etihad.

“A huge thank you to so many people, the coaching staff, the kit men and all the backroom staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes.

“You make every day enjoyable and provide the platform for us to perform at our best.

“To my team-mates, from the moment I walked through the door I felt at home. Thank you for the great memories and for all the success we have shared together. You are friends, but also family for life.

“To Pep Guardiola, thank you for believing in me and working so hard to bring me here in 2017. Together, we’ve celebrated 17 trophies, and your guidance has helped shape me into the player I am today. I’ll be forever grateful.

“To Annie, our children and all my family who have been there and supported me on this journey thank you.

“Most importantly, to the fans – thank you for embracing me as one of your own from day one. Your unwavering support, week in, week out, home and away, will never be forgotten. I wish you all constant success going forward. Thank you.”

Guardiola revealed earlier in January that Walker had asked to leave the club in pursuit of a move abroad.

The defender has endured a tumultuous first half of the campaign but will strengthen The Rossoneri’s options at right back.

Milan boss Sergio Conceicao has struggled with options in that role with both Emerson Royal and Davide Calabria struggling for form.

Walker joined City from Tottenham in 2017 for a reported £50 million and went on to win 17 trophies in his time at The Etihad.

He helped the club win a historic treble and played in the 2023 Champions League triumph over Milan’s city rivals Inter.

Portugal forward Leao latched on to Ismael Bennacer’s through ball, jinked inside the box and unleashed a fierce strike into the top corner for the only goal of the game.

Bryan Gil had the ball in the net for the Spanish visitors just before the hour mark, but his sublime strike from the edge of the box was ruled out for offside.

Leao had a chance to increase his tally in the 65th minute but his right-footed curling shot veered wide of goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga’s post.

Italian side Milan are sixth in the table on 15 points, occupying one of the eight automatic qualification spots for the last 16, with a trip to Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb to come next week.

La Liga side Girona have three points and are unable to qualify for the play-off stage.

Sergio Conceicao’s side recovered from 2-0 down at Al-Awwal Park to seal the Rossoneri’s first triumph in the competition for eight years.

Inter were seeking an unprecedented fourth successive Supercoppa Italiana triumph, and they took the lead in first-half stoppage time through Lautaro Martinez’s neat footwork and finish.

It was 2-0 within two minutes of the restart with Mehdi Taremi receiving Stefan de Vrij’s pass on the edge of the box, and sliding past Mike Maignan.

However, Milan responded just five minutes later through Theo Hernandez’s superb 20-yard free-kick, while the full-back turned provider in the 80th minute with his cross clinically tucked away by Christian Pulisic.

And there was to be one more dramatic twist in the third minute of stoppage time, as Rafael Leao’s centre was turned in by fellow substitute Abraham to snatch victory for the Rossoneri.

Kenan Yildiz fired Juventus into a 21st-minute lead with a well-struck effort from 15 yards out after being set up by team-mate Samuel Mbangula.

But Milan scored twice in a four-minute spell in the second half to transform the match.

Former Chelsea midfielder Christian Pulisic equalised, blasting a penalty home after he had been brought down by Manuel Locatelli, with Milan gaining a fortunate second as Yunus Musah’s cross was deflected into his own net by Federico Gatti.

The four-team tournament features the winners and runners-up of last season’s Serie A and Coppa Italia, with all the matches taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In Monday’s final, Milan will now face Inter, who defeated Atalanta 2-0 in the other semi-final on Thursday thanks to two goals from Denzel Dumfries.

Former Porto manager Conceicao was appointed AC Milan head coach on Monday following the sacking of Paulo Fonseca, with the club eighth in Serie A, 14 points adrift of joint-leaders Atalanta and Napoli.

However, Conceicao saw his new side fail to register a single shot on target in the first half as Juventus took a deserved lead, before Yildiz missed two chances to put Juventus 2-0 ahead.

A failure to score a second proved costly as Milan were a much improved side after the break and were able to turn the game around to advance into the final.

Gatti’s own goal proved to be the winner, although he almost forced a penalty shootout, only to see his goal-bound shot in the 94th minute superbly blocked by defender Matteo Gabbia.

Rafael Leao’s opener and sixth goal of the season – a ruthless finish that followed a beautiful first touch – was somewhat overshadowed by injuries suffered by the Italian side in the opening stages.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek, brought into the side in place of the injured Christian Pulisic, and Alvaro Morata were both forced off in the first half and replaced by Samuel Chukwueze and Abraham respectively.

Leao forced Ivan Gutesa into a smart stop before Abraham sent a header narrowly wide with his first touch of the night.

Red Star started to ask questions of the Milan back-line without seriously threatening Mike Maignan’s goal, but that seemed to prompt Leao into action.

After perfectly timing a run in behind the Red Star defence, the Portugal attacker controlled Youssouf Fofana’s long diagonal ball before lifting his shot past Gutesa at his near post.

Substitute Abraham looked certain to double Milan’s lead shortly after half-time but Nasser Djiga somehow managed to block his close-range effort while sat on the turf.

Red Star continued to press Milan and their persistence was rewarded when Nemanja Radonjic robbed Yunus Musah of possession before unleashing an unstoppable strike past Maignan from the edge of the box.

However, just as it looked like Milan fans would leave San Siro frustrated, Abraham forced the ball over the line with three minutes left after Gutesa made a miraculous save to tip Francesco Camarda’s header onto the crossbar.

Victory leaves Milan 12th in the standings with 12 points, all but securing their place in the Champions League knockouts.

It’s the first time since 2004-05 – when they reached the final – that Milan have won four consecutive Champions League games.

Red Star’s hopes of reaching the knockout play-off round are all but over.

Vinicius Junior’s penalty equalised for Madrid after Malick Thiaw’s opener, but strikes from Alvaro Morata and Tijjani Reijnders secured a deserved victory for Milan.

Madrid have now lost their last two games, after being beaten by rivals Barcelona 4-0 at home over the weekend.

And Carlo Ancelotti’s reigning European champions have now lost two of their first four games in this Champions League campaign, following a defeat away to Lille.

Both sides have had mixed starts to the season – Milan only had one win from their first three Champions League games and are seventh in Serie A, eight points behind leaders Napoli.

Madrid, meanwhile, are nine points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona and will face further questions after a substandard display filled with wasted chances.

Milan led from a corner after 12 minutes, centre-back Thiaw heading home Christian Pulisic’s near-post delivery for his first goal in red and black.

Madrid equalised nine minutes later through Vinicius, in his first game since he and the club boycotted the Ballon d’Or ceremony, claiming they were “not respected”.

After the Brazilian winger was tripped in the box by Emerson Royal, Vinicius chipped keeper Mike Maignan from the spot before kissing the Real Madrid badge in celebration in front of ecstatic support.

But in an end-to-end encounter, Madrid lost the ball in midfield six minutes before half-time and failed to respond when Rafael Leao’s low shot on the turn was palmed out by Andriy Lunin. Former Real and Atletico Madrid striker Morata finished high into the roof of the net.

It was a hugely frustrating evening at times for Madrid fans, who saw Kylian Mbappe – who now has just one goal in six games – continue to struggle in front of goal.

The 25-year-old’s favoured position is on the left wing but Ancelotti has kept Vinicius in that position, forcing Mbappe to play centrally.

As they pushed forward after the interval, Milan nearly punished Madrid on the break – Lunin going full stretch on 55 minutes to brilliantly stop a Leao header.

And the third goal was found 17 minutes from time when Reijnders, who alongside USA international Yunus Musah dominated the midfield all night, burst from deep to smash past Lunin from seven yards.

By contrast Madrid’s stellar midfield endured a tough night. Jude Bellingham was subbed immediately after the third Milan goal, and booted away a water bottle in frustration as Ancelotti – beaten by the side he won two Champions League titles with before claiming a further three in Madrid – could only watch on.

And a poor evening was capped when a strike by Antonio Rudiger with fewer than 10 minutes to play was disallowed by VAR.

This was Madrid’s first game since being thrashed in the Clasico, due to their visit to Valencia at the weekend being postponed following floods in Spain.

Both Madrid and Milan wore white T-shirts before kick-off saying “We are all Valencia” both in Spanish and Italian, while there were also banners in the crowd and a giant city flag of Valencia that was displayed during the pre-match minute of silence.

Former Inter Milan forward Romelu Lukaku made an instant impact on his return to the San Siro, opening the scoring after five minutes as he outmuscled Strahinja Pavlovic inside the penalty area before firing into the bottom corner.

Despite a response from Milan, who tested Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret on a handful of occasions, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia doubled the lead for the visitors minutes before half-time.

The Georgia international embarked on one of his trademark mazy runs down the left wing, chopping past several defenders before unleashing a curling drive beyond the hands of Mike Maignan.

Immediately after the restart the hosts looked to have halved the deficit through Alvaro Morata but his header was ruled out for a marginal offside.

Victory takes Antonio Conte’s side to 25 points, seven clear of Inter Milan in second.

A third defeat of the season leaves AC Milan in eighth place, 11 points off the pace.

Victor Boniface gave Xabi Alonso’s side a deserved lead in the 51st minute by tapping in on the rebound after Milan keeper Mike Maignan had denied Jeremie Frimpong.

But Milan grew into the game and struck the bar with seven minutes remaining through Theo Hernandez’s deflected long-range effort. Spain striker Alvaro Morata also headed narrowly wide on the follow-up.

Leverkusen were the better side until the closing stages and had a goal ruled out in the first half.

Boniface also found the net after a fine Frimpong cross in the 21st minute, but the video assistant referee (VAR) ruled the Dutch wing-back had timed his run too early and was offside.

Leverkusen had thrashed Feyenoord 4-0 in their Champions League opener last month, while Milan were beaten 3-1 at home by Liverpool.

The Reds were stunned on the break inside three minutes when AC Milan winger Christian Pulisic found the net with a driven strike across goal.

But Arne Slot’s side responded with a dominant performance and, after Mohamed Salah hit the bar, defender Ibrahima Konate levelled with a stooping 23rd-minute header from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s free-kick.

Salah struck the bar again before Virgil van Dijk completed the turnaround shortly before half-time when he met Konstantinos Tsimikas’ corner with a close-range header.

The win was wrapped up in the 67th minute when Cody Gakpo ended an electric run by squaring the ball to Dominik Szoboszlai for a tap-in.

Liverpool also gave a brief debut to summer signing Federico Chiesa who replaced Salah in the 93rd minute.

The Serie A side triggered Morata’s release clause – which was reportedly about £11m – in order to sign him.

The 31-year-old captained Spain to victory in Euro 2024 earlier this month.

Morata made his professional debut with Real Madrid and has also played for Juventus and Chelsea.

He won the Champions League twice in two spells at Real Madrid and lifted the Italian title twice with Juventus.

Morata, who won the FA Cup with Chelsea, has scored 36 goals in 80 matches for Spain.

Francesco Acerbi was unmarked to head in Benjamin Pavard’s flick-on from a corner to give Inter the lead.

Marcus Thuram latched onto a long ball and was given too much time to cut in before smashing their second into the bottom corner at the San Siro.

England’s Fikayo Tomori headed in from close range to give Milan brief hope.

There were three red cards in injury time as tempers boiled over. Milan’s Theo Hernandez and Inter’s Denzel Dumfries were sent off for their part in a brawl and the hosts ended with nine men as captain Davide Calabria was sent off for violent conduct.

Inter players and coaches ran on to the pitch to celebrate at the final whistle at the ground both sides share, although Milan were the home side for this fixture.

The second-placed Rossoneri are now 17 points behind Inter with five games to go.

Inter could have won by more with Lautaro Martinez missing a sitter and Hakan Calhanoglu’s drive being tipped over by Mike Maignan.

This was the first time the Serie A title has ever been won in the 116 years of the Milan derby.

Gianluca Mancini opened the scoring for the hosts after 12 minutes before Paulo Dybala doubled Roma’s lead 10 minutes later to cement a 3-1 aggregate victory.

Daniele de Rossi’s side went down to 10 men after Mehmet Zeki Celik’s lunging challenge on Rafael Leao.

Matteo Gabbia scored a late consolation for Milan.

Defender Mancini was quickest to react to tap home Lorenzo Pellegrini’s shot after it struck the woodwork.

World Cup winner Dybala then gave the home side breathing space after he looped a brilliant effort over Mike Maignan in the Milan goal.

England international Tammy Abraham, who recently returned from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, came off the bench in the 28th minute in place of the injured Romelu Lukaku.

Roma will take on Bayer Leverkusen for a place in the Europa League final after the Bundesliga champions overcame West Ham.

The Italian club say the new seats offer the “closest ever” view of the pitch, taking inspiration from the courtside seats at basketball games.

Other perks include padded seats and a private concierge.

Fans got their first taste of the new seating during Thursday’s 1-0 Europa League win over Roma.

Italian rappers Ghali and Blanco were among the first guests, again inspired by the NBA where pop stars and other celebrities often populate the best seats in the house.

Other clubs offer similar experiences, including the ‘Tunnel Club’ at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, where the players make their way to the pitch through a glass ‘tunnel’, with fans enjoying hospitality on either side.

However, anyone wanting to experience the view should get a move on as Milan’s days at the San Siro – their home since 1926 – could be numbered.

The Serie A side has already announced plans to leave the iconic ground and build a 70,000-seater stadium in the south of the city.

Joint tenants and city rivals Inter Milan are also considering building their own ground elsewhere.

Luca Pellegrini was the first to see red after fouling Christian Pulisic to earn a second booking.

Noah Okafor hit an 88th-minute winner for AC Milan from 16 yards after a double save from keeper Ivan Provedel.

Lazio had two players shown straight red cards in added time, with Adam Marusic dismissed for an angry reaction to the referee and Matteo Guendouzi for shoving over Pulisic.

Guendouzi was fouled by former Chelsea forward Pulisic and knocked the American to the ground in frustration to leave the hosts with eight men for the final seconds.

Six Milan players were booked and three other Lazio players were shown yellow cards in a fiery encounter.

AC Milan are third in the table, 13 points behind leaders Inter Milan, while Lazio – who face Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday – down in ninth.

Maignan alerted the referee before leaving the pitch after the half-hour mark, followed by his teammates.

The incident took place shortly after Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek had given the visitors the lead with a low first-time shot inside the post.

The Serie A match was restarted after about 10 minutes.

AC Milan posted on X: “There is absolutely no place in our game for racism: we are appalled. We are with you, Mike.”

France international Maignan, 28, was beaten three minutes later by a Lazar Samardzic shot before Florian Thauvin put Udinese in front in the 62nd minute.

But Milan snatched victory when substitute Luka Jovic netted a rebound with seven minutes left and Noah Okafor made it 3-2 in stoppage time from close range.

Milan are third in the table, six points behind leaders Inter Milan and four adrift of second-placed Juventus, who both have a game in hand.

A loss to Newcastle in the Champions League may well hasten his departure from a club that he guided to great heights.

For a club that invested heavily in the summer to bring in 10 fresh new faces to the team, Milan were not supposed to be out of Europe and potentially out of the title race so early into the season.

Sitting in third and nine points behind league leaders Inter in the Serie A table, Milan have struggled in playing with any consistency this season. Their inability to score in the Champions League coupled with a defence that is perforated far too frequently, Pioli is being rightfully questioned.

Is it time to move on from 58-year-old Italian?

It seemed like only yesterday that the song ‘Pioli’s on fire’ sung to the tune of ‘Freed from desire’ was being belted out at every opportunity.

Pioli won the Scudetto with Milan in 2022, pipping favourites Inter to the title. Ahead of schedule, Milan’s long-term project was bearing fruit far quicker than anyone had envisioned, and Pioli merited much of the praise.

Maintaining that brilliance proved to be quite challenging.

The Rossoneri suffered last season, especially after the World Cup. Playing in Europe exposed the thinness of the squad and Milan struggled to give their best in all competitions.

The team looked imbalanced and incapable of building play effectively and #Pioliout trended quite often on X, especially after the loss to Inter in the Champions League semi-final.

The 5-1 drubbing at the hands of their city rivals in September fortified claims that Pioli had reached the end of his journey with Milan.

It was the fifth consecutive derby loss for the Rossoneri this calendar year. The coach was clearly not learning from his mistakes. The high press, the decision to man mark, the absence of new attacking patterns of play, Milan were not growing but rather regressing despite all the new arrivals.

The problem with modern day football analysis is that buying a lot of new players is a viewed as a great thing and a sign of great ambition. After all, it was thought management had bestowed Pioli with several attacking solutions to lessen their dependency on the inconsistent yet magical Rafael Leao.

Deeper analysis of their transfer market activity would reveal that the purchases failed to address Milan’s biggest problems. Ten new players were brought in and yet the only striker they could sign to alternate with the ageing Oliver Giroud was Luka Jovic, a player who hasn’t impressed ever since he departed Eintracht Frankfurt.

Signing him on transfer deadline day on a one-year-deal suggests the motivating factor behind his arrival was more desperation than clear planning.

No alternative to left-back Theo Hernandez was sought in the market either while the midfield is still without a conductor, a player who can control and direct play.

Most importantly, many of players brought on were arguably not considered ‘the final product’, which is understandable considering Serie A finances but that also means that patience then becomes a necessity.

Pioli needs time to develop these players, to coach them and understand their strengths in order to design a new playing system, to achieve balance and produce better performances.

Christian Pulisic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have seemingly integrated quicker – they are the two of the bigger names to have arrived – but others still need to find their footing.

Injuries have also hampered Milan’s progression. It’s hard to create new patterns of play when you lose a player almost every gameday. The Rossoneri will go into the match against Newcastle with only one centre-back available to them. So far, they have registered 26 injuries, 18 of them are muscle injuries.

Fitness coach Matteo Osti won the award for best trainer in 2022 and is deeply esteemed by his colleagues. Now he is being questioned due to the many player absences.

Pioli’s tenure at Milan has been blighted by injuries. In December 2021, Radio Rossonera revealed some disturbing statistics when assessing the impact of injuries on Serie A.

Between September 2020 to December 2021, Milan players collectively missed 377 games due to injuries. The next team on the list over that period was Napoli. Their players had missed 271 games – more than 100 games fewer, a substantial difference.

“It is true that we have a lot of these injuries and I honestly cannot explain it,” said Pioli in a November news conference.

“It can’t just be bad luck at this point. Playing so often, the physical and mental stress levels are elevated and this can affect the players.”

This matter certainly requires further investigation and training methods must also be assessed. It’s imperative to note that certain injuries were picked up by players out on international duty, but Pioli and his coaching staff must find a way to resolve the never-ending battle with fitness they have endured yearly.

Massive changes across the club always require patience. Milan only recently changed ownership, both Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara – two directors who supported the players and built the Scudetto winning side – departed.

So too did Sandro Tonali and Zlatan Ibrahimovic two self-professed fanatical Milan fans. Interestingly Ibrahimovic has just be rehired by the ownership.

The club culture has changed, the dressing room lost leaders with big voices and so expecting a seamless turnover seems rather fanciful.

Yet Milan the name, the brand, should be competing for the biggest trophies every season but those are not won by reputations alone but rather present facts.

It’s also fair to say that Milan should be winning against teams such as Udinese and Saturday’s loss to Atalanta revealed a certain tactical recklessness that would worry any football fan.

Changing coaches isn’t always the solution and at times calcio could do with having more sensible objectives. This current Milan boast neither Inter’s experience nor Juventus’ financial might and Pioli ought to be given the time to rebuild this team.

If no significant improvements are made by the end of the season, then better plans can be made for the future, with or without Pioli.

The Swede, 42, returns to the club for a third time, six months after ending his playing career.

Ibrahimovic had an illustrious 24-year career at clubs including Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, Paris St-Germain and Manchester United.

He won leagues in four countries and is Sweden’s all-time leading goalscorer.

AC Milan’s owners, American investment firm RedBird, who bought the Serie A club for £1bn in August 2022, have appointed Ibrahimovic as an operating partner across its sports, media and entertainment investment portfolio, which includes AC Milan.

Ibrahimovic, who first joined AC Milan on loan in 2010, said: “My love for the Rossoneri will never die and the opportunity to be a part of its future in a meaningful way is something I could only have dreamed of.

“This is not a decision that I take lightly – it is one which is very important and personal to me and my family. I’ve thought long and hard about the first steps in my post-playing career and I couldn’t be more thrilled to start that journey as a member of RedBird and AC Milan.

“For me and my family, this is truly a homecoming with the cherished club where I ended my playing career and am now starting my next chapter.”

Ibrahimovic began his second spell with the Rossoneri in early 2020, having won the Scudetto with them in 2011 and helped them win the title again in 2021-22.

Marco Reus turned home from the penalty spot to open Dortmund’s account just four minutes after Milan’s Olivier Giroud had an early penalty saved.

Samuel Chukwueze levelled the scoring for Milan before half-time.

But 19-year-old Englishman Jamie Bynoe-Gittens restored the German side’s advantage in the second half before Karim Adeyemi scored to seal the win.

Dortmund sit three points ahead of Paris St-Germain at the top of Group F after the French side Pheld Newcastle United to a draw.

PSG’s result keeps Milan firmly in the mix for knockout qualification and they will progress if they beat Newcastle and PSG lose to Dortmund on 13 December.

The striker came on as a substitute for AC Milan in their win over Fiorentina.

The previous youngest debutant was Bologna’s Wisdom Amey, who was 15 years and 274 days old when he made his first appearance in 2021.

Ethan Nwaneri holds the Premier League record; he was aged 15 years and 181 days when he played for Arsenal against Brentford in September 2022.

Camarda was called up to the first team with Olivier Giroud suspended and Noah Okafor injured.

He only made his Uefa Youth League debut in September, scoring two goals against Newcastle United.

Camarda is one of only eight players to have made their debut in the Italian top flight before their 16th birthday.

The French forward netted the winner from Theo Hernandez’s cross five minutes into the second half.

Milan Skriniar had opened the scoring for PSG, heading in at the back post from a Marquinhos flick on.

Rafael Leao swiftly equalised with an overhead kick from close range after Giroud’s initial shot was parried.

PSG are now second in the group on six points, one behind leaders Borussia Dortmund who beat Newcastle earlier on Tuesday, while Milan are third with five points – one more than Eddie Howe’s side.

Their victory means last season’s semi-finalists Milan will remain in contention to reach the knockout stages when they host Dortmund on 28 November.

Former goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was roundly booed by the home fans, who also threw fake money towards him, as he returned to the San Siro for the first time following his acrimonious move to PSG two years ago.

Milan were much improved from their previous Champions League performances this season, with Donnarumma forced into fine saves from Hernandez and Fikayo Tomori free-kicks.

However, the evening ended on a sour note for the hosts, with Christian Pulisic withdrawn after injuring his hamstring in the closing stages.

Giroud put the visitors ahead, scoring with two headers from crosses by Christian Pulisic and Davide Calabria.

Matteo Politano’s superb strike into the roof of the net halved the deficit five minutes after the break at Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

Giacomo Raspadori curled in a superb free-kick to level the match, before Natan was dismissed late on for Napoli.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia fired a shot towards goal in the dying seconds but Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan saved with his legs to deny Napoli victory.

It was a game full of chances with Tijjani Reijnders unlucky not to make it 3-0 to Milan after his shot went inches over the crossbar.

Kvaratskhelia put a teasing low ball into the box but Politano could only find the side-netting when Napoli were looking for a route back into the game, while Milan’s Rapahel Leao arrowed a shot towards the bottom left corner but was thwarted by Alex Meret.

The result leaves Milan third in Serie A, three points behind leaders Inter, while Napoli are a further four points behind in fourth.

The hosts are now two points above Borussia Dortmund, who beat Newcastle 1-0 on Wednesday, in second.

Mbappe opened the scoring against Milan in the 32nd minute with a driven shot into the bottom corner.

And second-half goals from Randal Kolo Muani and Lee Kang-in secured all three points for the French champions.

Mbappe, who has now scored 13 goals in 13 matches for PSG and France this season, profited from a great run from 17-year-old Warren Zaire-Emery, wrong-footing Milan keeper Mike Maignan with his strike from the edge of the box.

Luis Enrique’s side dominated and thought they had doubled their lead in the 48th minute, but Ousmane Dembele’s fine curling finish was ruled out by the video assistant referee for a foul in the build up.

Five minutes later and PSG got their second after Dembele’s strike was saved by Maignan but tapped in by Kolo Muani on the rebound.

Maignan tipped a late Mbappe strike onto the post as the 2020 finalists finished strongly.

And substitute Lee Kang-in rounded off the victory with a side-footed strike after more good work from teenager Zaire-Emery.

Milan remain winless in the Champions League this season, bottom of Group F, with two points from their opening three matches.

Locatelli, who joined Milan at the age of 11 only to leave for Turin a decade later in 2021, enjoyed a huge slice of luck to net the only goal of the game in the 63rd-minute courtesy of a massive deflection off Milan substitute Rade Krunic.

The unfortunate Krunic had only been on the pitch three minutes but there was little he could do when Locatelli’s speculative 30-yard shot, which was heading wide, cannoned off him and left third-choice goalkeeper Antonio Mirante stranded.

Juve had struggled to make the most of the numerical advantage handed to them five minutes before half-time when Milan defender Malick Thiaw was shown a red card for hauling down Moise Kean as he made a run on goal.

In fact Locatelli’s shot was their best attempt in the 50 minutes they faced the 10 men but even victory over Milan for the first time in six matches, inflicting their hosts’ first home defeat of the season, did not appear to impress head coach Massimiliano Allegri who became increasingly agitated on the touchline.

Victory moved Juve, who registered a fourth successive clean sheet for the first time since January – meaning they have now have the most shut-outs (16) in Serie A in 2023, to within a point of Milan and just two behind leaders Inter.

There had been little between the two sides prior to Thiaw’s sending off after he was adjudged to have denied Kean a goalscoring opportunity as the Juve forward raced onto Timothy Weah’s through-ball in the inside-right channel.

Olivier Giroud had Milan’s best chance in the 14th minute when his low shot on the turn from Rafael Leao’s cross was tipped around the post by former Arsenal team-mate Wojciech Szczesny.

Adrien Rabiot flashed a cross-shot wide of the left-hand post of the 40-year-old Mirante, making his first appearance in two years, before the red card saw Christian Pulisic sacrificed in order to be able to bring on Pierre Kalulu.

Kean should have put the visitors ahead on the stroke of half-time but after getting between Fikayo Tomori and Alessandro Florenzi he failed to connect properly with Rabiot’s low, inswinging cross from six yards out.

Juve failed to make their advantage account until the 63rd minute when Locatelli let fly and benefited from the unfortunate Krunic’s inadvertent intervention.

Mirante, himself a former Juve player, then found himself with more to do as he tipped over Dusan Vlahovic’s powerful strike before producing a good double save from Andrea Cambiaso and Vlahovic in added time.

Eddie Howe’s side are back in Europe’s elite club competition after finishing fourth in the Premier League last season, and this was their first match in a tough Group F that also contains French champions Paris St-Germain and German giants Borussia Dortmund.

They were given a reminder of the difficulty of games in this competition as Milan dominated the first half, with Nick Pope saving well from Olivier Giroud and Theo Hernandez.

Rafael Leao spurned a golden chance to score as he fluffed his backheel after a fine solo run, and Newcastle were fortunate to go into the break level.

But the game was more even in the second half. Former Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali saw a shot blocked for the visitors, while Tijjani Reijnders forced a decent save out of Pope with a low drive.

Leao really should have won it in the closing stages when he got between Newcastle defenders to meet a cross, but he headed just over.

Newcastle’s first shot on target arrived in the fourth minute of stoppage time when Sean Longstaff saw a fierce effort tipped over, but in the end a point at the San Siro is certainly an encouraging result for the Magpies.

Henrik Mkhitaryan hit two, having opened the scoring before the clock had reached five minutes.

Marcus Thuram doubled Inter’s lead before the break when he thundered home a spectacular long-range effort.

Rafael Leao pulled one back for AC Milan but Mkhitaryan, Hakan Calhanoglu and Davide Frattesi put the game to rest.

Calhanoglu slotted home from the penalty spot when Lautaro Martinez was fouled by Theo Hernandez while substitute Frattesi tapped home a Mkhitaryan ball to add the fifth in injury time.

Inter are top of Serie A with 12 points from four games. Milan are third with nine points.

Juventus, second with 10 points, extended their unbeaten run with a 3-1 victory over Lazio earlier on Saturday.

Thuram was Inter’s brightest attacking spark and regularly produced chances for his side in the first half, tormenting Theo Hernandez and Malick Thiaw on the left flank.

Inter held just 40% of the possession but were dominant at San Siro, crowding out their rivals and overwhelming them with pressure on the break.

Milan, who host Newcastle United in the Champions League on Tuesday, were restricted to just two shots on target and just couldn’t cope with Inter’s prowess.

Pulisic has penned a four-year deal, with the option to extend to 2028, with the Rossoneri and will link up with Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who completed his move to the San Siro earlier this month.

The United States international will wear the No. 11 shirt for Milan.

He follows the likes of Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Kalidou Koulibaly and Cesar Azpilicueta out of Stamford Bridge, as Mauricio Pochettino looks to make wholesale changes to his squad.

Several players have made the move from Chelsea to Milan, including Olivier Giroud, Fikayo Tomori and Tiemoue Bakayoko.

The deal for Pulisic is believed to be worth up to €22 million (£18.8m), and included an initial €20m plus €2m in add-ons.

He arrived at Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund in January 2019 in a £58million ($63.6million) deal, and subsequently returned to the Bundesliga side on loan for the remainder of that campaign.

He secured three major trophies during his time at the club, including the Champions League in 2021.

Pulisic leaves Stamford Bridge after making 145 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 26 goals and registering 17 assists.

Last season was a frustrating one for the American after struggling to gain a consistent run of game time in a dismal season for Chelsea.

He made 30 appearances across all competitions last season, but only managed 10 starts and scored just once.

Lyon also expressed an interest in Pulisic and submitted a larger €25million bid according to the Athletic, but the player had his heart set on a move to Italy.

The same publication reports that Pulisic does not count as a non-EU signing for Milan, with the 24-year-old holding a Croatian passport. One of those two spots was taken by Loftus-Cheek.

He will be hoping for a renaissance in his club career after continuing to impress on the international scene with the USA.

Pulisic was an ever-present figure in their World Cup campaign in Qatar last year, starting all four of their matches and ended the tournament with one goal and two assists.

The 24-year-old also won the Player of the Tournament award, as the USA beat Canada to win the CONCACAF Nations League finals.

He has signed a four-year contract with Milan and is set to be joined by former Blues team-mate Christian Pulisic.

Loftus-Cheek, 27, had been with Chelsea for almost two decades.

“I love the club and the fans but I wasn’t feeling content with the amount I was playing and the positions I was playing in,” the midfielder said.

He scored seven goals in 155 appearances and won the Premier League twice, as well as the Europa League, during his time at the club.

However, his 33 appearances last term included only 19 top-flight starts as Chelsea finished in a disappointing 12th spot and he did not see a future at the club in his preferred role as a box-to-box midfielder.

The England international said: “I felt I had more to give but I wasn’t getting the opportunity.

“I feel good physically and am playing some really good football. It was a good time to move on.”

Loftus-Cheek’s first taste of life as an AC Milan player is set to come in the United States later this month when the club embark on a high-profile pre-season tour that includes matches against Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid and Barcelona, either side of an all-Serie A meeting with Juventus in Los Angeles on 27 July.

Visiting the US will bring back memories for the Lewisham-born player given he got his first taste of senior action in the country during a post-season tour with Chelsea in a match that broke new ground at the iconic Yankee Stadium baseball arena in 2013.

It was also the country where Loftus-Cheek’s career was derailed in 2019 when he suffered a major Achilles injury that kept him out for 11 months, and which he now describes as the worst moment of his career.

Loftus-Cheek spoke to another former Chelsea team-mate, Fikayo Tomori, who moved to AC Milan in 2021, before signing, and he is already looking forward to the arrival of USA winger Pulisic.

“He has huge talent,” said Loftus-Cheek. “He is dynamic, quick and can score goals.

“In the lockdown period, under Frank Lampard, he was incredible and if he can reproduce that again, he would be a top addition to the team.”

Pulisic, 24, is surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge and is due to have a medical in Milan this week.

He joined Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund in a £57.6m move in 2019 that made him the most expensive player from North America.

Pulisic scored 26 goals in 145 games and played in the 2021 Champions League final win over Manchester City.

His switch to Serie A will mean linking up with former Chelsea team-mate Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who has also joined Milan this summer.

Meanwhile, Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana, 20, has made a season-long loan move to Union Berlin in the Bundesliga.

The Ivorian made just four first-team appearances for Chelsea following a January move from Molde.

Chelsea have parted ways with several established first-team players this summer.

The departures have included Kai Havertz moving to Arsenal, Mateo Kovacic joining Manchester City and Mason Mount making the switch to Manchester United.

Cesar Azpilicueta joined Atletico Madrid, while other exits have seen Kalidou Koulibaly go to Al-Hilal, Edouard Mendy sign for Al-Ahli and N’Golo Kante leave for Al-Ittihad.

The 23-year-old has signed a five-year contract, becoming Eddie Howe’s first signing of the summer as his side prepares for Champions League football.

The reported £55m fee would make him the most expensive Italian footballer of all time.

Tonali helped Milan win Serie A in 2021-22 and was part of the side which reached last season’s Champions League semi-finals.

He was also a member of Italy’s squad at the Under-21 European Championships.

Tonali told the club website: “I want to repay the trust on the pitch, giving it my all, as I always have. I’m really excited about playing at St. James’ Park, I can’t wait to feel the warmth of the fans.”

Newcastle head coach Howe said of Tonali: “He is an exceptional talent and has the mentality, physicality and technical attributes to be a great fit for us.

“At 23, Sandro already has important experience as a key player in one of Europe’s top leagues and in the Champions League, as well as playing for his country.

“But he also has the opportunity and potential to grow and evolve with us, and I’m excited to add him to our squad as we approach the exciting season ahead.”

Tonali came through the ranks at Brescia and made his professional debut for them in Serie B at 17.

Brescia were promoted to Serie A in 2018-19 and, though the club was relegated the following season, Tonali made his Italy debut during that campaign when he came on as a substitute against Liechtenstein in October 2019.

He joined AC Milan on loan in the summer of 2020 and, after making the move permanent the following year, scored five goals in 36 top-flight appearances as the club won the Italian title in 2022.

Tonali scored twice in 34 Serie A outings as the San Siro side finished fourth last season, while he made 12 appearances in the Champions League before Milan were knocked out by rivals Inter in the semi-finals.

The two clubs did not disclose the fee involved but it has been reported that Milan will pay £15m plus add-ons.

The 27-year-old had been at Stamford Bridge since he was a youth player.

He has scored seven goals in 155 club appearances, winning two Premier League titles, the Europa League and the Uefa Super Cup.

The midfielder, who has 10 England caps, has also had loans at Crystal Palace and Fulham.

In a statement, Chelsea described Loftus-Cheek as “a dedicated professional and a friendly and popular person”, adding: “We wish Ruben the very best as he begins this next chapter in his career.”

Loftus-Cheek is among a number of players who have left Chelsea this summer as the west London club look to balance the books after a huge outlay last season.

Chelsea spent £600m last term and need to offload a number of first-team players to ease Financial Fair Play concerns.

The Blues have sold Kai Havertz to Arsenal and Mateo Kovacic to Manchester City this week and Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign Mason Mount.

Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly have moved to Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli, and N’Golo Kante has agreed a deal with fellow Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad.

Midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko also left Chelsea as a free agent after spending last season on loan at AC Milan.

Berlusconi bought his hometown club in 1986 and turned the struggling side into one of football’s most successful clubs.

Under his leadership, Milan won five European Cups, as well as eight Italian league titles.

In 2017, he sold the club to Chinese investors for 740m euros (£628m).

Fifa president Gianni Infantino described Berlusconi as a “visionary”.

Milan tweeted: “Deeply saddened, AC Milan grieves the passing of the unforgettable Silvio Berlusconi and wishes to reach out to the family, associates, and most cherished friends to share our sympathies.”

The former Italian prime minister returned to football less than 18 months after selling Milan when his holding company, Fininvest, bought 100% of shares in third-division side Monza in 2018.

Berlusconi and former Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani guided the club to Serie A for the first time in their 110-year existence.

A Monza statement read: “Forever with us. Adriano Galliani and all AC Monza mourn the loss of Silvio Berlusconi.

“A void that can never be filled, forever with us. Thank you for everything President.”

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, during his playing career, helped Milan lift their first league title of the Berlusconi era in 1988 and returned to manage the club from 2001 to 2009.

The Italian was criticised by Berlusconi during his early seasons for his supposedly defensive tactics but would go on to win the Champions League twice, the Coppa Italia and secure the Serie A trophy with an Italian record 82 points from 34 games.

Ancelotti wrote on Twitter: “Today’s sadness doesn’t erase the happy moments spent together.

“There remains infinite gratitude to the President, but above all to an ironic, loyal, intelligent, sincere man, fundamental for me as a footballer first, and then as a coach. Thank you President.”

In a statement, AC Milan’s city rivals Inter said: “He has left an indelible mark on the history of our country. The challenges between Inter and his Milan have made the city of Milan the heart of world football.”

Berlusconi was a controversial figure and often complained of victimisation – particularly by prosecutors in his native Milan – once claiming to have made 2,500 court appearances in 106 trials over 20 years.

Charges over the years included embezzlement, tax fraud and false accounting, and attempting to bribe a judge. He was acquitted or had his convictions overturned on several occasions.

In a tribute posted on Instagram on Monday, Infantino said: “In terms of football he had foreseen everything long before the others, and in fact he became the most successful president in the history of (AC Milan).

“Recently, as owner of Monza, he fulfilled another dream, because in dreams size doesn’t matter. They can even be contained within a small town.

“I want to remember him just like that, like the person who – in our beloved sport – dreamed and then transformed those thoughts into reality.”

Maldini helped Milan claim the Serie A title in 2022, the first in 11 years.

This season the club finished fourth in Serie A and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League, where they were defeated by rivals Inter Milan.

“We thank him for his years of service, contributing to the return to the Champions League and to winning the Scudetto,” a club statement said.

During his time as technical director, Maldini was integral to helping the Rossoneri acquire the services of key players Rafael Leao, Theo Hernandez, Fikayo Tomori and Olivier Giroud.

The statement added that Maldini’s “day-to-day duties will be performed by a team working in close integration with the first team manager.”

The 54-year-old spent his entire playing career with AC Milan, making 901 appearances and winning 26 trophies, most notably seven Serie A titles and five European Cup/Champions League crowns.

His father, Cesare, was also a legend at the club, featuring 467 times before a two-year stint as manager, while his son, Daniel, is on the books at Milan but spent last season out on loan at Spezia.

“I say goodbye to football but not to you,” the Swede told AC Milan’s fans after being serenaded by the San Siro crowd following Sunday’s final game of the season against Hellas Verona.

Ibrahimovic had already announced he would leave the Italian club, with his contract expiring this month.

He scored 511 career goals and won league titles in four countries.

Ibrahimovic arrived in Milan for his second spell with the club in early 2020, having won the Scudetto with them in 2011, and helped them win the title again last season.

But he played only four times and started one match for the Serie A side this term – and scored one goal – following a series of injuries.

The striker also retires as Sweden’s all-time top scorer with 62 goals in 121 matches.

He quit the national side after Euro 2016 but returned in 2021 for their unsuccessful World Cup qualifying campaign.

Three-time winners Inter, who led 2-0 after the first leg, will face either Manchester City or Real Madrid in Istanbul on 10 June after a disciplined second-leg display ensured their progress.

Heavily backed at a feverish San Siro as the designated home team, Inter were made to absorb early pressure as a determined start by Milan ensured the match began at a frenetic pace.

Theo Hernandez fired marginally over with a ferocious strike and Brahim Diaz was denied by Andre Onana as Stefano Pioli’s side attempted to undo the damage done by conceding two goals inside 11 minutes last week.

The talented Rafael Leao, absent for Milan in the first leg because of a thigh injury, displayed flashes of inspiration on his return but shot agonisingly wide of the far post after driving in from the left.

Inter asserted themselves as the first half progressed and the tie would have been effectively over before the interval had it not been for Mike Maignan’s stunning reaction save from Edin Dzeko’s close-range header.

Inter had starved Milan of encouragement in a largely uneventful second half, before Martinez squeezed the ball under Maignan and into the bottom corner with 16 minutes remaining to send the Inter fans into raptures.

The full-time whistle was greeted by a deafening noise as Inter’s first shot at Champions League glory since their 2010 success was confirmed.

DStv is the only true home of football in Africa, offering a range and depth of action that no other rival can match – it’s literally ‘Unbeatable Football’! If you’re going to spend your money on something, it may as well be on the best football in the world.

This week’s UCL action opens on Tuesday with the return game between Internazionale and AC Milan at San Siro, with the ‘Derby della Madonnina’ rivals fighting for a spot in the final at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul on June 10 following the Nerazzuri’s 2-0 win in the first leg.

“The approach wasn’t good, they were clinical. That makes a difference. We will analyse the game. They are strong but we can’t afford that approach. We need to give our all in the next match,” said Milan captain Davide Calabria.

Inter skipper Alessandro Bastoni, meanwhile, has urged his team not to get ahead of themselves: “We’re happy because we knew the importance of this match, but it’s important to remain balanced. [The return leg] will be another equally tough battle.”

Wednesday wraps up the semifinal stage with the second leg between Manchester City and Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium, following their 1-1 draw at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in the first meeting.

“When we were better, they scored. When they were better, we scored,” said Citizens manager Pep Guardiola. “It was a tight game. They are so demanding with their experience and quality. We will see what we can do better [in the second leg]. We have a final next Wednesday at home [in front of] our people.”

Los Blancos goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois believes “there’s everything to play for” in the return game. He added, “It will be like a final and I hope we can put that in our minds. Although it’s away, we are quite good in finals so I hope we can visualise it like that, even though it’s City. It will be tough.”

No rival can compete with SuperSport’s coverage. Our viewers on DStv enjoy an unrivalled selection of football from around the world!

Don’t miss the best football action on SuperSport on DStv. Visit www.dstv.com to subscribe or upgrade, and join in on the excitement. And while you’re on the move, you can stream matches on the DStv App.

UEFA Champions League broadcast details, 16-17 May 2023

All times CAT

Tuesday 16 May

21:00: Internazionale v AC Milan – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 1

Wednesday 17 May

21:00: Manchester City v Real Madrid – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 1