Inter Milan and AC Milan battle to 1-1 draw in Perth friendly

AFP | Perth

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Frenchman Christopher Nkunku converted a late penalty as AC Milan drew 1-1 with rivals Inter Milan in a lacklustre pre-season derby yesterday in Perth.

In front of 52,310 fans, Serie A champions Inter Milan appeared to be claiming the bragging rights after Federico Dimarco's strike from close range in the 52nd minute.

But Nkunku was brought down by Carlos Augusto in the 83rd minute before squaring the contest with a superbly taken penalty.

The result ensured that new AC Milan coach Ruben Amorim is still seeking a maiden victory after his reign began with a 2-2 draw in a friendly against Celtic in Glasgow last month.

Amorim, fired as Manchester United coach in January, has been tasked with turning around ailing AC Milan, who missed out on the Champions League last season.

He will have some concerns his new side were fortunate to escape with a draw following an error-strewn performance.

They will be encouraged by veteran midfield maestro Luka Modric playing the last 30 minutes having recently signed a one-year extension.

"It was nice to get some minutes under the belt and I felt good," Modric said.

"It's good to have these kinds of games to prepare for the season."