Maresca's First Game Ends in Penalty Loss to Inter Milan

Manchester City’s new manager Enzo Maresca spoke to the press ahead of a friendly match against Inter Milan for the Asahi Super Dry Trophy at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong on July 31, 2026. (Photo by May JAMES / AFP)

Enzo Maresca said he was “very happy” on Saturday after his first game as Manchester City manager, even though they lost on penalties to Inter Milan. The match ended 1-1, and Inter won the shootout 3-1 in this pre-season friendly in Hong Kong.

Matteo Lavelli scored the winning penalty for Inter, as Maresca led City for the first time since stepping in for Pep Guardiola in June. “I’m very happy with the performance,” the former Chelsea and Leicester manager told reporters.

“Many positive things, including minutes for the legs, that’s very important. Like always, there are things we can do better, but slowly, slowly, we’re going to improve.”

The first half was lively. City took the lead in the 14th minute when Antoine Semenyo made a run to the byline and crossed for young Divin Mubama, who finished from close range. Semenyo kept causing problems and almost scored a stunning solo goal moments later. He dribbled past several Inter defenders but could not get the ball past goalkeeper Josep Martinez.

Inter equalised just minutes later. City could not clear a Jamal Iddrissou cross, and the ball fell to Benjamin Pavard, who slotted it in from near the penalty spot. Both teams missed clear chances after the break, but the game lost some pace as substitutions increased.

City’s Vitor Reis hit the crossbar with a shot, while young winger Ryan McAidoo struck the post as Manchester pushed for a late winner that did not materialise. “We were pressing in the wrong way, we conceded some switches of play… because we were late in the pressing,” Maresca said regarding the first half.

“At half-time we adjusted something, and I think, second half, in terms of pressing, we were much, much better.” Maresca took over in June and faces the challenge of following Guardiola, who won 20 trophies during his time at City.

Many clubs find it hard to succeed after top managers leave. Manchester United, for example, has struggled since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. Nearly 43,000 fans filled Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium for the match, but some empty seats made the atmosphere a bit flat at times.

Several of City’s World Cup stars, like Norway striker Erling Haaland and Spain captain Rodri, did not travel for this match. Maresca confirmed that these two will not join the squad in Seoul for the last two games on the club’s Asia tour. They will face a K League all-star team and Spanish giants Atletico Madrid next week.

City will play Arsenal in the Community Shield on August 16. They will kick off the new Premier League season at home against Bournemouth a week later. Inter will finish their pre-season with a derby against AC Milan, followed by another match against Juventus in Perth, Australia, before starting their Serie A title defence against Monza on August 22.