Former Arsenal and Liverpool target helps Inzaghi to first win

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Stephan El Shaarawy scored the first goal of Pippo Inzaghi’s reign as AC Milan boss in a pre-season friendly against Renate.

AC Milan’s new boss Pippo Inzaghi got off to a winning start against lower league side Renate and a man who has been frequently linked with Arsenal and Liverpool was on target.

Stephan El Shaarawy shot to fame with a dynamite start to the 2012-13 campaign and was Serie A’s top scorer at the halfway point of the season.

But things have been tougher since for the 21-year-old and last season was written off by injury problems, forcing the Italian international to sit and watch as his teammates struggled.

In January it was suggested that El Shaarawy could jump ship with Arsenal and Liverpool said to be keeping an eye on him.

No move materialised, partly due to the player’s desire to stay in Italy but partly due to potential suitors’ fears over his long-term fitness.

El Shaarawy is now back in action and netted the first goal since Pippo Inzaghi took over the senior side from Clarence Seedorf.

Milan beat Lega Pro side Renate 2-0 with Riccardo Saponara on target in the second half after El Shaarawy had scored the opener.

“We all really want to bounce back because last season was not one of the best but now we really want to start well,” El Shaarawy told the club’s official website after the game.

“We are currently working very hard at Milanello and the ingredients are in place to have a good season.

“This season we only have Serie A to think about, for better or worse. In September Italy play against Holland and it is a goal I have set myself but before that I have to do well with Milan.”