AC Milan will travel to Croatia on Wednesday, seeking to secure their place in the UEFA Champions League knockout stages with a victory against Dinamo Zagreb at the Stadion Maksimir. The Rossoneri enter the match with significant momentum, having already accumulated 15 points in the group stage. A win would guarantee their top-eight finish, while Dinamo Zagreb desperately need maximum points to keep their European hopes alive.
Under new coach Sergio Conceicao, Milan have demonstrated remarkable resilience in the Champions League. After initial setbacks, they’ve won five consecutive matches, including impressive victories against Real Madrid and Slovan Bratislava. Their recent 1-0 triumph over Girona further solidified their competitive spirit.
Rafael Leao is leading the team’s offensive charge with three goals, while Christian Pulisic has been directly involved in five goals in recent Champions League starts. Tijjani Reijnders consistently delivers creativity from midfield and will be crucial for Milan’s success.
On the other side, Sandro Kulenovic stands out for Dinamo Zagreb as their top scorer with three league-phase goals. He will be looking to make a decisive impact against the Italian giants.
Milan boast an impressive record against Dinamo Zagreb, having won all six previous encounters with an extraordinary 17-3 aggregate scoreline. This historical dominance adds psychological pressure on the Croatian side.
Team News
As the Derby della Madonnina approaches, Conceicao faces some tough decisions for Wednesday’s match. Following a narrow victory against struggling Parma, where he publicly criticized certain players, Conceicao may consider lineup changes.
While Samuel Chukwueze made a triumphant return in 2025 with a last-minute winner, Milan still grapple with several absences. Emerson Royal, Malick Thiaw, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Noah Okafor, and Alessandro Florenzi remain sidelined. New loan signing Kyle Walker is ineligible until later stages, and Davide Calabria’s suspension leaves a gap at right-back, potentially filled by Filippo Terracciano or Davide Bartesaghi.
Milan’s recent European success has been driven by key performers. Rafael Leao leads the competition in completed dribbles with 26 and has netted three goals. Christian Pulisic has been involved in five goals in his last six Champions League starts, while Tijjani Reijnders consistently contributes from midfield.
For Dinamo Zagreb, Sandro Kulenovic is one goal away from equaling the club’s record for league-phase goals. However, the hosts face their own challenges with Bruno Petkovic and Petar Sucic injured, Lukas Kacavenda suspended, and new signing Wilfried Kanga ineligible.
Expected Starting XIs
Dinamo: Nevistic; Ristovski, Torrente, Bernauer, Mmaee, Pierre-Gabriel; Stojkovic, Ademi, Baturina, Pjaca; Kulenovic
AC Milan: Maignan; Terracciano, Tomori, Pavlovic, Hernandez; Bennacer, Fofana; Pulisic, Reijnders, Leao; Morata
Match Prediction
While Milan appear stronger on paper, Dinamo’s desperation could make this a competitive match. The most likely outcome seems to be a narrow Milan victory, potentially 2-1, which would confirm their progression in the Champions League.
Prediction: Dinamo 1-2 AC Milan
