What's Happening?
Chelsea is set to host AC Milan at Stamford Bridge in a preseason friendly match on Sunday, August 10, 2025. This fixture comes shortly after Chelsea's victory over Bayer Leverkusen, marking the end of their pre-season schedule. Chelsea's squad, under Enzo Maresca, has been in strong form, winning 15 of their last 17 matches and securing both the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup trophies. The match will provide further playtime for new signings Joao Pedro, Estevão, and Jorrel Hato, although injuries to Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana will necessitate defensive adjustments. AC Milan, led by Massimiliano Allegri, approaches the game following a match against Leeds United in Dublin. Allegri's return to Milan comes after a challenging 2024-25 season, with new players like Luka Modric and Ardon Jashari tasked with revitalizing the team. With Christian Pulisic unavailable and several forwards having left, Rafael Leão and Santiago Giménez are expected to lead Milan's attack.
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Why It's Important?
This match is significant as it serves as a final preparation for both teams before their respective league openers. For Chelsea, the game is crucial for integrating new players and assessing defensive strategies due to recent injuries. The match also provides an opportunity for Chelsea to maintain their winning momentum ahead of their Premier League opener against Crystal Palace. For AC Milan, the friendly is a chance to test new formations and player combinations under Allegri's leadership, aiming to improve upon last season's performance. The game will also allow Milan to evaluate their squad depth and readiness for the upcoming Coppa Italia opener against Bari.
What's Next?
Following this friendly, Chelsea will focus on their Premier League opener against Crystal Palace, while AC Milan will prepare for their Coppa Italia match against Bari. Both teams will likely continue to adjust their lineups and strategies based on the outcomes of this preseason match. Chelsea's management will need to address defensive concerns due to injuries, while Milan will look to solidify their attacking options and overall team cohesion.
