Celtic Edge Past Milan in Pre-Season Thriller as Both Sides Show Promise
In a pre-season friendly that showcased attacking flair and defensive frailties in equal measure, Celtic and AC Milan played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at Celtic Park on Saturday. The match, which served as the first official outing for new Rossoneri head coach Rúben Amorim, was a tale of two halves: Celtic’s clinical first-half display was canceled out by a spirited Milan resurgence led by teenage substitute Francesco Camarda .
The pre-season encounter, held in front of the Glasgow faithful, saw the Scottish champions assert their dominance early on, punishing Milan’s high-risk build-up play. However, Amorim’s tactical adjustments at the break transformed his side, offering a glimpse of the Portuguese coach’s philosophy as they prepare for a crucial Serie A campaign.
Hoops Capitalize on Rossoneri Errors
The first half was a showcase of attacking football from Celtic, who exploited a Milan side clearly lacking match fitness and cohesion. The Hoops took the lead in the 11th minute after a catastrophic defensive error from Milan defender Strahinja Pavlović. In an attempt to play out from the back, the Serbian international played a woefully under-hit back-pass that was intercepted by Celtic forward Camilo Durán. The striker made no mistake, rounding the goalkeeper to slot home into an empty net and give the hosts a 1-0 lead .
The warning signs were there for the Rossoneri, but they failed to heed them. In the 27th minute, another lapse in concentration gifted Celtic their second goal. A miscommunication between midfielder Samuele Ricci, Pavlović, and goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani allowed Durán to press once more, who unselfishly squared the ball to veteran winger James Forrest. Forrest made it 2-0, coolly finishing into the top corner for what looked to be a comfortable lead for the home side .
Celtic, under manager Martin O’Neill, looked sharp in transition. The Scottish champions dominated the early proceedings, showing the kind of ruthless edge they will need in their upcoming Champions League playoff fixtures . Their high press and intensity troubled the Milan backline, which featured a mix of experienced heads and emerging talent.
Milan’s Second-Half Fightback Signals Amorim’s Influence
The second half was a different story. Milan emerged from the tunnel with renewed energy and intent, a testament to Amorim’s influence during the break. The Portuguese tactician made a raft of changes, introducing fresh legs and key attacking players that would ultimately shift the momentum of the game .
The first significant sign of a Milan comeback came in the 47th minute. Young substitute Francesco Camarda, who entered the fray at the start of the second half, made an immediate impact by winning a penalty. The forward stepped up himself and confidently sent the Celtic goalkeeper the wrong way, slotting the ball into the top corner to make it 2-1 .
The equalizer came just five minutes later. A beautifully worked attacking move saw winger Samuel Chukwueze, another second-half introduction, deliver a pinpoint cross from the right flank. Camarda rose highest in the box to power a header past the Celtic goalkeeper, completing his brace and drawing the Rossoneri level . The momentum had completely flipped, and Milan looked the more likely to snatch a winner.
Milan fielded a significantly depleted squad, missing key players who had participated in the recent World Cup, as well as injured stars like Christopher Nkunku . This gave a chance for players like Camarda, Ricci, and Chukwueze to stake a claim for a place in Amorim’s plans for the upcoming season .
Where to Watch and Match Context
For fans unable to attend, the match was widely available through various broadcasters. In Italy, the game was broadcast on DAZN and Sky Sport . In the UK and Ireland, the match was available via Celtic’s in-house streaming platform, CelticPlayer, which offered a single Match Pass for £8.99 . International viewers in countries like Australia (beIN Sports), Belgium (DAZN), and the US (CelticPlayer) also had access to the broadcast .
Key Match Details
Detail Information
Fixture Celtic vs AC Milan
Competition Pre-Season Friendly
Date July 25, 2026
Venue Celtic Park, Glasgow
Kick-off 3:00 PM BST
Final Score 2-2
Celtic Scorers Durán (11′), Forrest (28′)
Milan Scorers Camarda (47′ pen, 52′)
Tactical Overview and Early Takeaways
For Celtic, the performance was largely positive. Their aggressive pressing game caused Milan numerous problems in the first half, and players like Durán and Forrest look in fine form. The defensive solidity of the first half will be a concern, however, as Milan found gaps in the second half .
Amorim will be pleased with the character shown by his players to come back from two goals down. The second-half performance was a marked improvement, showcasing better ball circulation and attacking threat. Camarda will be delighted with his brace, which will surely bolster his chances of a more prominent role in the first team. However, the first-half defensive display highlighted the work still to be done to implement his 3-4-2-1 formation effectively, as the team looked vulnerable when pressed high .
This match represents the first step in Amorim’s project at the San Siro. The Rossoneri are looking to bounce back after a disappointing league finish last season. This pre-season friendly is a crucial part of their preparation as they aim to build a squad capable of competing on all fronts, including the Champions League .
The battle between the Scottish champions and the Italian giants was a fitting start to the pre-season calendar, providing both managers with valuable insights as they look ahead to the new season.
