Manchester City lose to Inter on penalties in Maresca debut

Enzo Maresca’s first match as Manchester City manager ended in a penalty shootout defeat to Inter Milan on Saturday, August 1, 2026, following a 1-1 draw in a preseason friendly at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium. The Italian champions won the shootout 3-1 after a match that offered glimpses of City’s new era under the former Chelsea and Leicester City boss.

City took the lead in the 14th minute when winger Antoine Semenyo drove down the left flank and delivered a low cross for youngster Divin Mubama to tap in from close range. Semenyo was a persistent threat in the first half, nearly adding a spectacular solo goal shortly after. Inter equalized within minutes, however, as Benjamin Pavard pounced on a loose ball in the penalty area after City failed to clear a cross.

The match drifted in the second half as both teams made numerous substitutions, though City created the better chances. Vitor Reis struck the crossbar with a shot and young winger Ryan McAidoo hit the post as the Premier League side pushed for a late winner. In the shootout, City missed their first three penalties from Rayan Ait-Nouri, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Nico Gonzalez. A Panenka from Claudio Echeverri and a save...