SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- A patient Liverpool were made to work hard for a 2-0 win over AC Milan in the International Champions Cup on Saturday.

The Reds broke down a stern Italian side with finishes from Divock Origi and Roberto Firmino in the second half. Jurgen Klopp's side were dominant in Santa Clara but were left frustrated after a goalless opening 45 minutes.

However, a moment of brilliance from Origi with 58 minutes on the clock saw the Premier League side rewarded for their efforts.

Daniel Sturridge was in the starting line-up to make his first appearance of the preseason along with debutant Georginio Wijnaldum. Meanwhile, James Milner started the game at left-back, having been picked over Alberto Moreno.

Liverpool started the game brightly, enjoying most of the possession against a compact and organised Vincenzo Montella side. The Reds looked far more likely to break down the back four than they did against a deep Chelsea side, with Philippe Coutinho and Sturridge dropping deep to link up play.

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But there was a lack of end product to their build up and Milan's goalkeeper had to wait until the 41st minute to be forced into any work. Coutinho sprayed a wonderful ball through to Sadio Mane, but his strike at goal was thwarted by the feet of Gabriel.

A stale game came to life following six changes for the Reds at the break. The substitute that had the biggest impact was Sturridge's replacement, Origi. The Belgian striker picked up the ball inside the penalty area and displayed wonderful feet to shift it on to his right and curl into the bottom corner.

A second goal quickly followed as Sheyi Ojo's deflected shot made its way to the back post where Firmino was on hand to tap in, with Liverpool's persistence seeing them run out deserved winners.