Ghana duo Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari were handed starting roles by AC Milan coach Pippo Inzaghi in their 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on Saturday in International Champions Cup final in Miami.
A defensive howler by Essien gifted Liverpool the opener as Joe Allen horribly caught him in possession.
Allenââ¬â¢s first attempt hit the upright, Abbiati parried from Raheem Sterling, but Allen eventually bundled over the line.
Balotelli and goalkeeper Gabriel came on for the second half, the strikerââ¬â¢s free kick deflected off target from distance and Essien managed to charge down.
Essien played for 65 minutes and was replaced by Crisante while Muntari was substituted after 81 minutes by Poli.
Milan: Abbiati (Gabriel 46); Abate (Zapata 81), Bonera, Rami (Mexes 65), De Sciglio (Albertazzi 76); Muntari (Poli 81), Essien (Cristante 65), Saponara; Niang, Pazzini (Balotelli 46), El Shaarawy (Honda 65)