The historic San Siro stadium in Milan is set to host a thrilling Champions League encounter as AC Milan welcomes Liverpool in the opening match of the group stage. This fixture brings together two of Europe’s most storied clubs, each with rich histories in continental competition and both under new management this season.
AC Milan, seven-time European champions, enter this competition with renewed vigor under the guidance of Portuguese tactician Paulo Fonseca. The Rossoneri have had a mixed start to their domestic campaign but showed signs of improvement in their recent 4-0 victory over Venezia. This match presents an opportunity for Milan to make a statement of intent on the European stage and build on their rich Champions League legacy.
Liverpool, six-time winners of Europe’s premier club competition, arrive in Italy with Dutch manager Arne Slot at the helm. The Reds secured their place in this season’s Champions League with a third-place finish in the Premier League last term. However, they come into this match on the back of a surprising 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, which ended their perfect start to the domestic season.
AC Milan’s form has been inconsistent in the early stages of the season. After struggling to find their footing in their first three Serie A matches, drawing two and losing one, they finally clicked into gear against Venezia. The 4-0 victory showcased the potential of Fonseca’s attacking philosophy, with goals from Theo Hernandez, Youssouf Fofana, Christian Pulisic, and Rafael Leao highlighting the team’s offensive capabilities.
Fonseca is likely to maintain the winning formula from the Venezia match, employing a fluid 4-2-3-1 formation. The front four of Leao, Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Tammy Abraham provide a blend of pace, creativity, and finishing ability that could trouble Liverpool’s defense.
Liverpool, despite their weekend setback, have generally started the season well. Prior to the Forest defeat, they had won their first three Premier League games without conceding a goal. Slot has largely continued with the high-pressing, high-intensity style that became synonymous with Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp, but with his own tactical tweaks.
The Reds’ attack, led by Mohamed Salah, will be eager to bounce back from their profligate performance against Forest. The potential inclusion of new signing Federico Chiesa, if fit, could add an extra dimension to their forward line.
The midfield battle could be crucial in determining the outcome of this match. Milan’s double pivot of Youssouf Fofana and Tijani Reijnders will need to be at their best to counter Liverpool’s energetic midfield press. Conversely, Liverpool’s midfield, likely featuring Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai, will aim to control the tempo and provide a platform for their forwards to exploit Milan’s defense.
In wide areas, the duel between Milan’s Theo Hernandez and Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold could be particularly intriguing. Both are attack-minded full-backs capable of influencing the game in the final third, but their defensive responsibilities will be equally important.
These two clubs have a rich history of memorable encounters in European competition. The 2005 Champions League final in Istanbul, where Liverpool famously came back from 3-0 down to win on penalties, remains one of the most dramatic nights in the competition’s history. Milan exacted a measure of revenge by defeating Liverpool in the 2007 final.
More recently, the teams met in the 2021-22 Champions League group stage, with Liverpool winning both matches, including a 2-1 victory at San Siro where former Red Divock Origi scored for the visitors.
Team News
AC Milan have several injury concerns to contend with. Ismael Bennacer, Alessandro Florenzi, and Marco Sportiello are all ruled out, while Malick Thiaw is doubtful with an ankle problem. Davide Calabria faces a late fitness test.
Liverpool are still waiting on the fitness of new signing Federico Chiesa, who missed the Forest game. Harvey Elliott is definitely out with a foot injury. Arne Slot may consider rotating his squad given the quick turnaround from Saturday’s match.
Expected Starting XI
AC Milan (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Emerson, Gabbia, Pavlovic, Hernandez; Reijnders, Fofana, Loftus-Cheek; Pulisic, Abraham, Leao
Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Endo, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Nunez
