Dominant but unlucky, AS Monaco lose to Inter Milan | OneFootball

Having created the best chances of the game and hitting the post twice, the Rouge et Blanc were unfortunately unable to avoid a narrow defeat against the Nerazzurri to their preseason (1-2).

It wa a tough battle to the finish. In their final friendly before the league resumes, AS Monaco’s players suffered a defeat, their first of the summer, against Champions League finalists Inter Milan (1-2). They delivered a compelling performance nonetheless, under the watchful eye of President Dmitry Rybolovlev, who was present at the Stade Louis-II.Recap ✍️

The context 📅

Our Rouge et Blanc approached this final preseason match with a desire to confirm their strong preseason form (5 wins, 2 draws). They would face a high-level challenge against the Nerazzurri, finalists of the last edition of the Champions League, and whom they had faced in the group stage of the competition last January.

The XI 👥

To do this, coach Adi Hütter played his usual system, with a central defence of Singo-Kehrer and an attacking duo of Biereth-Ilenikhena. Finally, as a small surprise, there was in the goal the newest Monégasque, Lukáš Hradecký, newly signed with the Principality club and just presented to the public at the Stade Louis-II.

The scenario 🎞

Following the presentation of AS Monaco’s 2025-2026 squad, the duel started at 100 miles an hour with a sublime strike by Maghnes Akliouche who found Yann Sommer’s top corner for the opening goal (1-0, 2)! It was a moment of superb inspiration from our number 11 who inspired his provider, Denis Zakaria, who tried his luck from distance (3′). There was no time for observation then, and the Inter response came twice from Nicolo Barella (7′, 8′).

A powerful shot and a close call

The Italian later set up Marcus Thuram, whose effort was deflected by Caio Henrique (15′). But the Stade Louis-II and its 13,000 spectators shuddered again when Lamine Camara’s sudden 25-meter shot was deflected by the Swiss goalkeeper (21′). The Senegalese international made his mark again shortly afterward (22′), before Biereth tried his luck from range (26′), and then Ilenikhena on the counterattack (28′), and Ben Seghir from deep (30′) did the same.

A decisive save and the lead nearly doubles

The Monegasque dominance continued until Lukáš Hradecký pulled off a classy save against Petar Sučić (30′)! A second goal was close, however, thanks to the Danish striker’s chipped shot (39′), followed by George Ilenikhena’s deep run, who ultimately scored but from an offside position (41′). Halftime came after two headers by Thilo Kehrer (44′, 45 + 2′).

Captain Zak’ touches wood

The second half was also fast-paced, with Yann Sommer keeping a close eye on successive attempts from Camara (53′) and Ilenikhena (56′). And although the Finnish goalkeeper was once again decisive on a curling effort by Sučić (55′), he was powerless to stop Lautaro Martinez’s deflected shot (1-1, 60′). There was no reason for the Rouge et Blanc to doubt their chances, as Denis Zakaria would smash the ball off his international teammate’s right post shortly afterward (62).

A story of posts…

The Nerazzurri then broke the rhythm to catch their breath and allow Cristian Chivu to make substitutions. It was a decision paid off, as new signing Ange-Yoan Bonny made his mark with his first counterattack (1-2, 80′). Adi Hütter‘s men responded immediately, and Magnes Akliouche even hit the post with a header (81’)! Unfortunately, Inter remained compact in front of their goal and won.

AS Monaco thus suffered its first defeat of the preseason, but they did not disappoint against the Champions League finalists. Now, it’s time for the resumption of Ligue 1 McDonald’s against Le Havre next Saturday (7 p.m.).

🗓️ Match details:

Friday, August 8 2025 (20:00) – Stade Louis-II

Preseason friendly: AS Monaco 1-2 Inter Milan

Halftime: 1-0

Goals: Akliouche (2′) for AS Monaco; Martinez (60′) and Bonny (80′) for Inter

Bookings: Calhanoglu (17′, 36′) and Martinez (27′) for Inter

Dismissals: Calhanoglu (36′)

AS Monaco: Hradecký – Vanderson (Teze, 65′), Singo, Kehrer, C.Henrique (Ouattara, 79′) – Akliouche, Camara (Magassa, 79′), Zakaria © (Bamba, 65′), Ben Seghir (Golovin, 66′) – Biereth (Embolo, 79′), Ilenikhena (Brunner, 65′)