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Chelsea vs. AC Milan: Preseason Showdown at Stamford Bridge

Published

4 days ago

November 5, 2025

Bella P

Football fans are in for a treat this summer as Chelsea vs. AC Milan headlines another exciting preseason clash at Stamford Bridge. Just two days after Chelsea’s impressive showing against Bayer Leverkusen, the Blues are set to welcome Serie A giants AC Milan in what promises to be a competitive warm-up fixture. Both teams, although still shaking off the preseason rust, will look to make statements ahead of their respective domestic campaigns.

From tactical tweaks and squad depth assessments to familiar faces returning to familiar grounds, this fixture is more than just a casual Sunday kickabout. With the new season just around the corner, here’s everything you need to know about this high-profile friendly.

Match Preview: Chelsea vs. AC Milan

As football fans worldwide tune in for Chelsea vs. AC Milan, the significance of this friendly lies in more than just match fitness. Both sides are undergoing key transformations. Chelsea are under new leadership with Enzo Maresca, while AC Milan are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2024/25 campaign with Massimiliano Allegri at the helm again.

This match offers an excellent opportunity for managers to assess their squads against elite competition. Although it’s preseason, expect plenty of intensity, experimentation, and drama.

Chelsea Team News: Rising Talents and Tactical Trials

A Mix of Youth and Experience

Enzo Maresca is not wasting time as he integrates new signings and emerging talents into Chelsea’s dynamic squad. Friday’s win over Bayer Leverkusen saw standout performances from:

Estêvão – the teenage sensation showed flashes of brilliance.
Jamie Gittens – impressively quick on the flanks, proving to be a nuisance for defenders.
Jorrel Hato – defensively solid and confident on the ball.

These players are making early claims for regular spots in the matchday squad as the season approaches.

Injury Report and Squad Status

Levi Colwill remains out for the season.
Wesley Fofana and Benoît Badiashile are still working their way back to full fitness.
Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, Ben Chilwell, Raheem Sterling, and Axel Disasi are all expected to miss out, as they continue to explore exit strategies or recover from knocks.

The absence of high-profile players provides room for Chelsea’s youth and fringe players to shine. And shine they did, against Bayer Leverkusen.

AC Milan Team News: Former Blues and Rebuild Under Allegri

Former Chelsea Players Return to the Bridge

The Rossoneri arrive with a familiar core — Fikayo Tomori, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Christian Pulisic (though the American is sidelined with a minor ankle injury). These former Chelsea players will relish the chance to return to West London, even if it’s just for a preseason outing.

Major Transfers and Squad Reshuffle

AC Milan are undergoing a significant rebuild. Following a disappointing finish in eighth place last season, they’ve parted ways with key stars:

Tijjani Reijnders – now with Manchester City.
Théo Hernandez – left for the Saudi Pro League.
Malick Thiaw – set for a £40 million move to Newcastle United.

In their place, Milan have brought in:

Luka Modrić – the Croatian veteran adds leadership and class.
Samuele Ricci and Ardon Jashari – young midfielders with great potential.
Pervis Estupiñán – the Ecuadorian left-back signed from Brighton to reinforce the defense.

Milan’s roster is a blend of youth, experience, and former Premier League stars, making them an intriguing unit under Allegri.

Key Battles and Players to Watch

1. Enzo Maresca vs. Max Allegri – Tactical Battle

Maresca’s positional play and emphasis on building from the back will be tested against Allegri’s pragmatic and counter-focused approach. This managerial chess match could be a preview of their teams’ tactical identities in 2025/26.

2. Reece James vs. Rafael Leão

If both start, this will be one of the most electrifying matchups on the pitch. Leão’s flair versus James’ power and discipline.

3. Estêvão vs. Estupiñán

The Brazilian wonderkid will be looking to turn heads again, while Estupiñán must keep him in check defensively.

4. Loftus-Cheek in midfield

Returning to the Bridge, RLC will aim to impose himself against familiar faces, offering Milan both physicality and technical prowess.

Match Details: Date, Time, Venue, and How to Watch

Date: Sunday, August 10, 2025
Time: 15:00 BST / 10:00 EDT / 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
Weather Forecast: Hot, sunny conditions expected — hydration breaks likely.

Where to Watch

Region	TV	Streaming
UK	Channel 5	DAZN
USA	Universo	DAZN
India	None	FanCode
Nigeria	None	StarTimes
Global	–	DAZN (International)

Recent Form and Preseason Insights

Chelsea’s Recent Matches

Chelsea 3–1 Bayer Leverkusen
Chelsea 2–2 Club América
Chelsea 1–0 Al Hilal (Club World Cup Final)

The Blues are unbeaten in their last four preseason games, and the VisitMalta Trophy win over Leverkusen suggests positive momentum.

AC Milan’s Recent Matches

AC Milan 2–1 Liverpool (Hong Kong)
AC Milan 0–1 Leeds United

Milan’s inconsistency is clear, but Allegri has yet to field his full-strength side. Expect a more cohesive unit against Chelsea.

Chelsea vs. AC Milan: Historical Context

Though Chelsea vs. AC Milan isn’t one of Europe’s oldest rivalries, it has provided quality moments in UEFA competitions. Their last competitive meetings came in the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League group stage, where Chelsea secured a convincing 3–0 win at Stamford Bridge, followed by a 2–0 away win at the San Siro.

Key moments from those encounters:

Reece James starred with a goal and assist in the home leg.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored in both matches.
Milan struggled to cope with Chelsea’s pressing and pace.

Predicted Lineups and Tactical Outlook

Chelsea (4-2-3-1 Expected)

GK: Djordje Petrović
Defenders: Gusto, Chalobah, Hato, Cucurella
Midfield: Ugochukwu, Santos
Attack: Estêvão, Gittens, Madueke
Striker: Broja

AC Milan (4-3-3 Expected)

GK: Mike Maignan
Defenders: Calabria, Tomori, Kalulu, Estupiñán
Midfield: Loftus-Cheek, Ricci, Modrić
Attack: Leão, Jović, Chukwueze

Conclusion: What to Expect From the Clash

This Chelsea vs. AC Milan preseason friendly is far more than just a warm-up. It’s a litmus test for two historic clubs at pivotal points in their rebuilds. Chelsea’s focus on youth and tactical flexibility under Enzo Maresca will face a stern test from Allegri’s experienced Milan side.

Expect an open, fast-paced match with plenty of goal-scoring opportunities. While the final result may not hold long-term weight, individual performances and tactical execution will be closely watched.

For Chelsea fans, it’s another glimpse of a bright future. For Milan supporters, it’s a chance to gauge the early Allegri effect. Either way, this clash at Stamford Bridge is one you won’t want to miss.