Dubai, Jan 5: Carlo Ancelotti's reign at Paris Saint-Germain started with a loss Wednesday as AC Milan beat the French club 1-0 in a friendly.
Milan scored in the fourth minute as Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic played the ball across for Brazilian forward Alexandre Pato to tap home into an empty net.
PSG went on the attack after that, with Nene and Javier Pastore forcing saves from Milan goalkeeper Marco Amelia, before Antonio Nocerino rattled PSG's crossbar with an audacious overhead kick.
Nene had two chances to equalize in the second half, but both his effort were saved by Amelia.
Ancelotti took over as PSG coach last week after Antoine Kombouare was let go despite leading the big-spending club to first place in the French league standings going into the winter break.
"We didn't start well because we conceded the goal immediately, but there was a good reaction with good play, good football and good combinations up front. I am happy," Ancelotti said. "Of course, we have to improve, but we played against a strong team. Our match was good."
AC Milan also tops the Serie A standings, and both teams are using the training camp in Dubai to get ready for the second half of the season.
"We had a good first half," Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri said. "There were a lot of good and bad things, but I'm happy with the training we've done and it was a good test for the team against one of the best sides in France."
