Milan vs Newcastle United takes place on Tuesday night in a highly-anticipated Champions League encounter at San Siro. In what is a heavyweight and extremely competitive Group F, Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund make up the rest of the group.
The Rossoneri will be hoping to bounce back from their bitterly disappointing 5-1 loss against fierce rivals Inter at the weekend. Without taking into consideration that defeat, Milan had started the season well and recorded three straight triumphs to open their Serie A campaign.
As for visitors Newcastle, this is the first time they are battling it out amongst Europe’s elite in the Champions League since the 2003/04 season. In fact, it was the 2002/03 season when they last appeared in the group stage. It hasn’t been the best of starts to their Premier League campaign this season, though, since they have lost three out of their first five matches.
Milan Preview
Stefano Pioli’s side got their 2023/24 Serie A campaign off to a flyer as they won three from three to boast a 100% start. Milan had recorded victories over Bologna, Torino and Roma, scoring eight goals and conceding just two in the process.
Nevertheless, they were left embarrassed at the hands of cross-city rivals Inter last time out as the Nerazzurri put them to the sword with a comprehensive 5-1 victory. That was their heaviest defeat in the Derby della Madonnina since 2009 so they are itching to get back on track here. Legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been at the Milanello training ground of late which could help boost morale. It is thought he could be joining the club in a staffing role.
A strong display in last season’s Champions League will give Milan hope of performing well, though. The seven-time European champions managed to reach the semi-finals of the competition, despite finishing as runners-up in Group E. They would go on to defeat Tottenham Hotspur and Napoli in the last 16 and quarter-finals respectively, before being thwarted by Inter 3-0 on aggregate in the semi-finals.
One To Watch: Olivier Giroud
The Frenchman has kicked off the new season in style and already has four goals to his name after just four Serie A games. He also has two assists and will continue to lead the line for Milan. The tricky Rafael Leao will be hoping to make an impact too and the Portugal international has scored in his last two successive outings for Milan.
Newcastle United Preview
Eddie Howe would have been relieved on Saturday as his side put an end to their run of three straight defeats by recording a 1-0 win over Brentford at St James’ Park. Despite opening the season with a comprehensive 5-1 victory at home to Aston Villa, Newcastle went on to lose their next three matches.
Successive defeats against Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion meant it was a poor start to the season for the Magpies. However, their narrow win over the Bees on Saturday will lift morale ahead of a monumental clash for the club at the San Siro on Tuesday night.
Newcastle fans have been waiting for this moment for years and returning with a clash against Milan at the iconic Giuseppe Meazza will kick off their Champions League endeavour in style. There isn’t too much pressure on Newcastle to get out of their group, especially due to the tough draw, but fans will at least expect them to be competitive.
One To Watch: Sandro Tonali
The Italy international is making a swift return to the San Siro after departing Milan over the summer. The midfielder missed the weekend’s match due to injury but is pushing for a return in this one and will be significant in the middle of the park. Callum Wilson has been in excellent form for Newcastle and could make an impact up top.
Head-to-Head
This is the first competitive meeting between the two sides throughout their history.
Milan vs Newcastle United Potential Lineups & Team News
Milan (4-2-3-1): Mike Maignan; Davide Calabria, Malick Thiaw, Fikayo Tomori, Theo Hernandez; Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Rade Krunic, Tijjani Reijnders; Christian Pulisic, Olivier Giroud; Rafael Leao
Pierre Kalulu will be absent here due to injury as he also missed the derby match on Saturday. However, Fikayo Tomori will be able to return after missing the Inter game due to suspension. He should replace Simon Kjaer at the back. Ismael Bennacer remains out due to long-term injury.
Reports have suggested that Tijjani Reijnders and Christian Pulisic could drop to the bench, with Tommaso Pobega and Samuel Chukwueze coming into the line-up. However, Pioli has favored the aforementioned starting eleven to start the season.
Newcastle (4-3-3): Nick Pope; Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, Fabian Schär, Dan Burn; Sean Longstaff, Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali; Harvey Barnes, Callum Wilson; Anthony Gordon
Joelinton has been ruled out for this one due to a knee injury which also saw him miss out against Brentford. That means Sean Longstaff could start in the midfield three alongside Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali. Howe will have to choose between Wilson and Alexander Isak to start up top but the former has been in the better form of late. Joe Willock and Emil Krafth are also unavailable due to respective muscle and knee issues.
Milan vs Newcastle United Prediction
Many are expecting a close match between Milan and Newcastle on Tuesday. The hosts need to respond after their woeful loss to Inter, whilst the visitors will be feeling the pressure of their first Champions League night in two decades. Home advantage and European experience should see Milan pick up the victory but it should be a close affair.
Milan 1-0 Newcastle