By Ivaldo Basso / MLSnet.com Staff

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Fire gave AC Milan everything they could handle and more, keeping the European vice-champion on their heels for long stretches but denied by the woodwork and some poor finishing before falling 3-1 in a colorful international friendly Wednesday night at Soldier Field.

Christian Vieri started the scoring in the 21st minute, his first goal for AC Milan after joining the club from city rival Internazionale this summer.

Fearless Fire striker Chris Rolfe equalized one minute after Vieri's opener with a scintillating 20-yard strike past the outstretched arms of Milan 'keeper Valerio Fiori and into the side netting.

Milan's heavily touted summer signing, 22-year-old Alberto Gilardino, tapped in the game-winner on 76 minutes, before Serginho added Milan's third goal in stoppage time.

The final scoreline was not necessarily indicative of the run of play, as the Fire kept the rossoneri hemmed in for long stretches of the match. Rolfe led the Fire's offensive posture, dazzling the spirited crowd with several first half rushes toward goal.

View Rolfe's Goal

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