Two clubs looking to return to form will do battle today in a friendly between Manchester City and AC Milan. The International Champions Cup match scheduled for 4 p.m. ET will be held at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh and can be live streamed here free. Additional TV coverage can be found on Fox Sports 1.
As meaningless as summer friendlies are, they do provide one overwhelming positive: The ability to identify the next generation of talent. That was the case in Manchester City's undressing of Sporting Kansas City during the mid-week. No one shined brighter in the club's 4-1 victory than 17-year-old Kelechi Iheanacho, who provided City a goal and an assist. Manager Manuel Pellegrini was glowing with praise as he discussed the Nigerian's future.
"Kelechi is just 17 years old and he's a very important player for us in the future," he said following the match (via the Daily Mail). "He demonstrated today what he can do in the future. It depends on the way he takes this profession, but I think he's a good talent."
"We've not decided yet [what the plan is for him] because it's not easy," Pellegrini added. "He's just 17 and sometimes that's the problem. We'll see what he will do in the future. For the moment, he will stay with us and we'll see when we return to England what will happen with him."
"But he's a very important player for the future for the club."
Opportunities are bountiful in Pittsburgh this afternoon for other players to follow suit.
Tactical Preview
Player to Watch: The health of AC Milan's Stephan El Shaarawy will ultimately decide the club's success this season. The 21-year-old made just one start last season due to injury. He'll look to continue his return to form at Heinz Field.
Manchester City's Projected Lineup (4-2-3-1): Caballero; Richards, Boyata, Nastasic, Clichy; Fernando, Garcia, Toure, Silva, Navas; Jovetic
AC Milan's Projected Lineup (4-3-3): Gabriel; Zaccardo, Rami, Bonera, Albertazzi; Poli, Cristante, Saponara; Niang, Pazzini, El Shaarawy
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