Match preview for Chelsea v AC Milan
Chelsea and AC Milan conclude their pre-season campaigns with a glamour friendly at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
The Blues arrive home fresh from lifting the Club World Cup in the USA, defeating Paris Saint-Germain in the final.
That triumph has fuelled optimism for Enzo Maresca’s second season in charge, though the extra matches have left the squad with little downtime before the new campaign.
After a strong finish to last season – winning the Conference League comfortably and claiming fourth place in the Premier League – Chelsea have continued their aggressive approach in the transfer market, adding Joao Pedro, Estevao, Liam Delap and others to an already sizeable squad.
Friday’s 2-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen made it 15 victories from their last 17 games, underlining their fine form heading into the new season.
Their Premier League opener against Crystal Palace looms next weekend, but first they host Milan for one final tune-up.
The Rossoneri, meanwhile, are looking to rebound after a dismal 2024-25 season. Two managerial sackings, an early Champions League exit at the hands of Feyenoord, and an eighth-place Serie A finish brought Massimiliano Allegri back to the San Siro.
This summer has been about rebuilding, with new arrivals such as Luka Modric and Ardon Jashari.
Milan have had mixed results in pre-season, including a heavy 9-0 victory over Perth Glory.
They face Leeds United in Dublin the day before the Chelsea clash, meaning heavy rotation is likely.
Their competitive season begins next week with Coppa Italia action against Bari, followed by a league meeting with newly promoted Cremonese.
Team news for Chelsea v AC Milan
Chelsea have been handed a major blow with Levi Colwill ruled out for several months after suffering an ACL injury in training.
Wesley Fofana is back from a long-term layoff, while Jorrel Hato – one of eight summer signings totalling close to £250m – could step in at centre-back. Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Josh Acheampong and Benoit Badiashile are other options.
Club captain Reece James is set to feature either in his usual right-back role or in midfield. Joao Pedro and Liam Delap are competing to start up front, with Nicolas Jackson tipped for a departure.
Milan’s squad will look very different to the one facing Leeds the previous day.
New signing Ardon Jashari is expected to slot into midfield following Tijjani Reijnders’ move to Manchester City.
With Alvaro Morata close to joining Como, and Tammy Abraham and Luka Jovic already gone, Max Allegri could turn to Rafael Leao and Santiago Gimenez to spearhead the attack. Christian Pulisic remains sidelined with an ankle problem.
Expected line-ups for Chelsea v AC Milan
Chelsea: Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Hato, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Gittens; Pedro.
AC Milan: Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Ricci, Modric, Musah, Estupinan; Leao, Gimenez.
How to watch Chelsea v AC Milan: TV channel, online stream
The match will be held at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, 10 August. It is available to watch on DAZN or Channel 5 in the UK.
Kick off is at 15:00 BST.
The stats for Chelsea v AC Milan
- Chelsea have beaten Milan in four of their last five meetings
- The Blues have won 15 of their last 17 matches in all competitions
- Milan finished 8th in Serie A last season, their lowest league position in over a decade
- Chelsea scored twice or more in 12 of their last 15 matches
- Milan’s pre-season includes a 9-0 win over Perth Glory and defeats to Liverpool and Arsenal
Prediction
Both teams are fitting two matches into a 48-hour window, so squad rotation will be heavy and match fitness may take precedence over a high-intensity spectacle.
Chelsea’s home advantage and greater squad depth should see them through.
