Friendly preview: Liverpool vs. AC Milan – Team news, opposition insight and how to watch

AC Milan face Liverpool in Hong Kong on Saturday, July 26 (13:30 CEST), for their second pre-season match of the 2025/26 tour. Despite a 1-0 loss to Arsenal in their first game, manager Massimiliano Allegri found positives, particularly in his team holding firm for 60 minutes. He emphasized the importance of team growth over immediate results against financially stronger opponents like Liverpool, though he hopes for a win.

Milan's first pre-season game revealed personnel shortages across the squad, a situation largely unchanged. However, the arrival of new left-back Pervis Estupinan in Hong Kong offers a potential new option, and he could feature against Liverpool. Allegri also hopes to have Mike Maignan and Youssouf Fofana available. With no new striker signed yet and Santiago Gimenez on holiday, Rafael Leao is likely to be tried as the centre-forward again, potentially starting in that role.

Fofana's participation in media duties suggests availability, and he could partner Samuele Ricci in midfield for the first time. A possible Milan starting XI (4-3-3) is: Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic, Estupinan/Bartesaghi; Loftus-Cheek, Ricci, Fofana; Saelemaekers, Leao, Pulisic.

Liverpool, the reigning Premier League champions, have invested heavily (over €300 million) this summer on signings including Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong, with Alexander Isak also a target, signalling ambitions for renewed dominance under Arne Slot. They have won both their pre-season games so far (3-1 vs Preston, 5-0 vs Stoke) but are expected to field a stronger side against Milan. Kerkez is set to start against his former club, with Ekitike potentially joining Mohamed Salah in the attack. The inclusion of 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha is also noted.

The match will take place at the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong.