Camilo Duran once again stole the spotlight as Celtic wrapped up their pre‑season programme with a lively 2‑2 draw against Italian giants AC Milan. The Colombian forward was directly involved in both Celtic’s opening goals, scoring one himself and laying a perfect pass for a teammate to finish, before a rapid response from Milan’s teenage striker Francesco Camarda turned the match into a thrilling contest. From the first whistle, Celtic looked intent on imposing their style on the visitors. Early on, a mis‑communication in the Milan back line gave Duran the chance to exploit a loose ball after a wayward back pass from Strahinja Pavlović.
Duran calmly slotted a left‑footed strike into the far corner, giving the Scottish side an early 1‑0 lead and marking his third goal in as many pre‑season fixtures. The goal not only underscored Duran’s growing confidence but also highlighted Celtic’s ability to capitalize on defensive lapses. The second Celtic goal emerged from a similar scenario. Luke McCowan applied pressure on the Milan defence, forcing another error.
Duran, quick to react, raced onto the loose ball, out‑muscling goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani and then delivering a precise cut‑back. James Forrest met the pass with a thunderous shot that ripped the net, extending Celtic’s advantage to 2‑0 and putting the home side in a comfortable position heading into the break. The first half ended with Celtic in control, their rhythm disrupted only by a series of substitutions made by the visitors.
The changes, however, injected fresh energy into the Milan side, and they emerged from the interval with renewed purpose. Just a minute after the restart, Francesco Camarda made his mark. The 17‑year‑old was brought down in the penalty area by Cameron Carter‑Vickers, and the referee pointed to the spot.
Camarda stepped up and calmly converted, reducing the deficit to 2‑1. Only six minutes later, Camarda completed his brace. A well‑timed cross from fellow substitute Samuel Chukwueze found the young striker’s head, and he powered the ball past the Celtic defence to level the scores at 2‑2. The rapid double not only demonstrated Milan’s attacking depth but also forced Celtic to reassess their defensive organization.
Celtic’s bench also contributed to the spectacle. Thomas Hatton, who entered the fray as a substitute, made a lively cameo, curling a shot that narrowly missed the target before forcing a late save from Torriani. Hatton’s involvement illustrated the manager’s willingness to give younger players meaningful minutes in a competitive environment. After the match, Celtic manager Martin O’Neill reflected on the performance.
He praised the team’s overall display, noting that the pre‑season had been “enjoyable” and that the players had executed several positive actions. However, he also admitted that concentration slipped after the interval, allowing Milan to claw back into the game.
O’Neill singled out Camilo Duran as a “really good player,” adding that if the forward remains injury‑free, he will be a valuable asset for the upcoming season. He also highlighted the importance of giving younger squad members a chance, commending Thomas Hatton for his role in guiding the newer players, a practice O’Neill described as a “dying art” but one that fosters healthy competition for places. The match also carried a side note of transfer news. Earlier in the day, Celtic’s cult hero Daizen Maeda completed a move to Premier League side Ipswich Town, marking the end of his tenure at Celtic.
The departure added an extra layer of narrative to the pre‑season fixture, as the club bid farewell to a fan favourite while simultaneously showcasing emerging talent. Looking ahead, Celtic’s focus now shifts to the start of the Scottish Premiership campaign. The team will open their title defence at home against Dundee on August 3, with the match set to be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The kickoff is scheduled for 7.30 pm, and the fixture forms part of a historic opening weekend that will see all six top‑flight games aired live on Sky Sports for the first time, offering fans unprecedented access to the league’s action. For supporters eager to follow Celtic’s journey, the full list of Premiership fixtures, including the date of the season’s first Old Firm clash, is available on the club’s official website. In addition, Sky Sports continues to promote its app and streaming services, encouraging fans to watch live coverage and stay up‑to‑date with the latest news, transfers, and match highlights across the UK’s top clubs. Beyond the immediate match report, the game served as a useful barometer for both sides as they fine‑tune tactics ahead of their respective domestic campaigns.
Celtic’s attacking trio of Duran, Forrest, and McCowan displayed fluid interplay, while Milan’s ability to respond swiftly through Camarda and Chukwueze highlighted their depth and resilience. The draw, though perhaps unsatisfying for the home fans who hoped for a win, provided valuable lessons on maintaining focus throughout the full 90 minutes—a point emphasized by O’Neill in his post‑match comments. In summary, the pre‑season friendly offered a compelling narrative: a rising star in Camilo Duran, a youthful surge from Francesco Camarda, and a manager keen on integrating youth while safeguarding the team’s competitive edge.
As Celtic prepares for the forthcoming league season, the experience gained from this encounter will undoubtedly influence squad selections, tactical approaches, and the overall confidence heading into the first competitive match of the campaign.