Urby Emanuelson scored in the 68th minute as Milan edged European champions Chelsea 1-0 in an exhibition match at Sun Life Stadium, Miami, last weekend.
Emanuelson converted on an running attack with team-mate Stephen El-Shaarawy in front of a crowd of 57,748.
“We were standing good on defence, when we got the ball there was a lot of space to go to the goal,” Emanuelson said.
“It always feels good to score. Tonight was a good test for us. We played well and I’m happy that I scored a goal.”
Emnuelson dribbled the ball deep toward the Chelsea penalty area and then passed toward the left wing to El-Shaarawy.
El-Shaarawy took a shot but the ball hit a Chelsea defender and bounced back to Emanuelson, who beat Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech with a hard shot.
“Last year I played a lot of games and now it’s a chance to build on that,” Emanuelson said.
“I want to feel important.”
Eden Hazard had Chelsea’s best attempt to tie it with four minutes to go but his free-kick from the half circle soared over the crossbar.
Emanuelson also had an excellent scoring opportunity in the 52nd minute but his left-footed shot was saved by Cech.
The Blues controlled the offence at the start of the game. They also had more spark on Saturday than they did in a 3-2 loss to the Major League Soccer all-star team in the middle of the week.
Milan played without striker Robinho, who was not allowed to leave Brazil due to a passport problem.
“I’m very happy the way the team played,” Milan coach Massimilano Allegri said.
“This is a team that has to grow and this was a very good step.”
Chelsea now head back to England for a friendly against Brighton and then the traditional Charity Shield contest against league champions Manchester City on August 12.
“This is what pre-seasons are for, these are games to give young players a chance,” Chelsea head coach Roberto Di Matteo said.
Milan play their next game in the nine-match 2012 World Football Challenge against Real Madrid at the Yankees Stadium on August 8.
Saturday’s crowd was the highest attendance so far of the World Football Challenge.