RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesMatch Report & Player Ratings: Manchester City 1-1 (1-3 Penalties) Inter (Pre-Season Friendly)
Enzo Maresca’s Manchester City reign began with a narrow penalty shootout defeat to Inter Milan in front of 42,286 fans at the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong on Saturday.
The two sides, who famously met in the 2023 Champions League final, were locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes before Cristian Chivu’s Italians edged the shootout 3-1 to claim the Asahi Super Dry Trophy, in what proved a competitive and largely encouraging opening outing for the new City boss.
The contest burst to life in the 14th minute when Antoine Semenyo darted down the left flank and squared for Divin Mubama, who tucked home from close range to hand the Mancunians an early advantage.
Semenyo was the standout performer in the opening period – he came agonisingly close to doubling the lead moments later, weaving through several Inter defenders before Josep Martinez spread himself well to deny the Ghana international with his left leg.
City’s lead was short-lived, however. Just minutes after Semenyo’s blocked effort, the Serie A champions drew level when a Jamal Iddrissou cross evaded the City rearguard and dropped to Benjamin Pavard, who arrowed home from the edge of the area.
Despite wholesale changes at the interval, the second half provided further reason for optimism. Vitor Reis crashed an effort against the crossbar, and teenage winger Ryan McAidoo, one of the night’s most exciting performers, rattled the post from 18 yards before seeing a follow-up attempt whistle beyond the far post as City pressed for a decisive goal.
With the sides unable to be separated, the shootout proved decisive. Rayan Ait-Nouri, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Nico Gonzalez all failed to convert, with only Claudio Echeverri finding the net, handing Inter the trophy in ultimately meaningless pre-season circumstances.
Maresca’s men now travel to Seoul, where friendlies against a K-League All Stars side and Atletico Madrid await.
Here’s how the Manchester City players fared in the first game of the Maresca era.
Starting XI
Gianluigi Donnarumma – 6/10
Had a few shaky moments in the first-half and although he made the saves when called upon, he was nervy on the ball in the opening 45 minutes.
Rico Lewis – 5.5/10
Not one of his best displays in a Manchester City shirt, he wasn’t able to keep Dimarco and Inter’s left sided players at bay.
Abdukodir Khusanov – 7/10
Made a series of crucial tackles, got stuck in and is a genuine contender to start the season as a first-choice centre half.
Josko Gvardiol – 7/10
Like Khusanov, he thwarted Inter a few times in the opening 10 minutes and played a string of balls into midfield to get City higher up the pitch.
Stephen Mfuni – 6/10
Looked uncomfortable when defending but offered something on the lines of Nico O’Reilly when going forward as he linked well with Antoine Semenyo.
Mateo Kovacic – 6/10
Was unable to orchestrate the game as part of a midfield trio too easy to play through for Inter.
Tijjani Reijnders – 6/10
No real attacking threat and didn’t stand out while defending either, a very average outing for a player who needs to show Maresca what he’s made of in pre-season amid talk of a potential departure.
Phil Foden – 6/10
Was marked heavily by Inter and given little room to sorcer some magic, needs to step up his game in the Seoul friendlies because Maresca wants to unlock the best version of Foden.
Savinho – 6.5/10
Shone brightly on the right wing in a new-look City attack and while he wants to join Tottenham in what remains of the transfer window, the more he keeps impressing the more Spurs will want to pay the money and get him to north London.
Divin Mubama – 7/10
Was in the right place at the right time for the opener and did well to connect play and bring midfielders into play by dropping deep and attracting defenders, should hold his head high after that performance. The first scorer of the Maresca era at the Etihad Stadium.
Antoine Semenyo – 8/10 (POTM)
Simply outstanding, no further words needed.
Substitutes
Max Alleyne – 6/10
Nico Gonzalez – 6/10
Vitor Reis – 6.5/10
Ryan McAidoo – 7/10
Rayan Ait-Nouri – 6.5/10
Kaden Braithwaite – 6/10
Claudio Echeverri – 6.5/10
Mahamadou Sangaré – 6.5/10
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