"I saw small improvements, although we are still a long way from good form," said the Coach following Valeri Bojinov's winning goal. "I would like to see the team focused more on the season that is coming up rather than to these friendly tests.

"Clearly Manchester City had a different match fitness to us, as they are close to the start of their domestic campaign.

"Despite our absences, we tried to work around that by putting Massimo Ambrosini in a more advanced role so he could use his strength in the air."

The match also saw Uruguayan talent Tabare Viudez make his Milan debut just days after completing his transfer.

"Viudez moved well, did some good things and I think he is a lad we can count on for the future."