Enzo Maresca Loses Manchester City Bow as Inter Milan Win on Penalties

Enzo Maresca's first match in charge of Manchester City ended in defeat on penalties to Inter Milan, following a 1-1 draw in a pre-season friendly at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong.

Divin Mubama gave Maresca's side a dream start with a close-range finish after 14 minutes, only for Benjamin Pavard to level for Inter six minutes later. Neither side could find a winner in normal time, and City's shootout misfortune began early as they missed their first three spot-kicks, allowing Matteo Lavelli to seal victory for the Italian side.

Several fringe and academy players caught the eye, with Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo named player of the match after a lively display that included a fine solo run, while teenager Ryan McAidoo and loan returnee Divin Mubama also impressed. Manager Maresca, who replaced Pep Guardiola this summer, will have taken some encouragement from the overall performance despite the shootout loss.

The result is a reminder that Maresca's rebuilding job at the Etihad is only just beginning, with players like Savinho reportedly attracting interest from Tottenham and Mateo Kovacic's long-term future still uncertain as the club shapes its squad for the season ahead.

Pre-season results carry little direct weight on the final table, but Maresca's opening test will still factor into how Playdash's Premier League title and top-four markets are shaping up for Manchester City heading into the new campaign.