AC Milan humiliated again
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-06-03 00:32

Italian league giants AC Milan suffered another embarrassing loss when Chinese league champions Shanghai Shenhua dumped them 2-0 in an exhibition match.

Although the reigning Serie A champions were missing several of their Italian internationals, coach Carlo Ancelotti's men put in another sub-par performance in the wake of their 1-0 defeat at the hands of Hong Kong football minnows Kitchee Sunday.

Shanghai Shenhua SVA player Sun Ji (R) gets a shoe shine from teammates after scoring the second goal during their friendly match against AC Milan at Shanghai Stadium June 2, 2004. [Reuters]

Jorg Albertz got things going for Shenhua in the 52nd minute when he fired a pass up the middle to a waiting Qu Shengqing, who turned, stepped and fired to find the back of the net from 16 metres out.

Less than two minutes later, shellshocked Milan were again caught flatfooted when hard-running Peter Vera drove the ball up the middle and passed to Sun Ji, who struck a beautiful right footer from the edge of the box over diving goalkeeper Christian Abbiati.

The black and red shirts looked set to dominate the match over a seemingly intimidated and outclassed Shenhua, but Milan squandered several first half chances with flubbed kicks and shots that sailed wide.

In the second half the reinvigorated Chinese side tightened its defence, squelching Milan's efforts to find the goal.

In the closing moments of the match, striker Aimo Diana was unable to head home what would have been a face-saving score, much to the delight of an estimated 5,000 cheering spectators.

While many of Milan's players stayed in Europe for the build-up to this month's European Championships in Portugal, legendary defenders Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Costacurta were booted up for the expected win.

AC Milan guest players Moris Carrozzieri (L) and Massimo Donati (14) battle for ball against Shanghai Shenhua SVA player Wang Ke (C) during their friendly match in Shanghai June 2, 2004. [Reuters]

Ancelotti, according to local press reports, had promised that the 17-time Serie A kings would come away on top in Shanghai.

Star striker Andrei Shevchenko sat out the match after suffering an apparent muscle injury in Hong Kong.

Close

Today's Top News     Top Sports News
10 years later, China issues new auto lines         FM urges early lift of EU arms ban         US agrees to time limit on troops withdrawal         30,000 km highways to create economic hub         Grandparents' mentoring role questioned         Hu: China supports African progress	Pistons oust Pacers to reach NBA Finals       Athens still has two-thirds of Games tickets       Williams sisters bid adieu to French Open       Japan holds England to 1-1 draw in Euro 2004 warmup       Judge says Bryant accuser can't be called 'victim'       Ben Wallace expects to play in Olympics