Marco Giampaolo is the new Coach of Milan, but the line-up against Udinese should look pretty familiar.
The Rossoneri seem unlikely to have many summer signings in the starting XI, as Ismael Bennacer, Rade Krunic and Leo Duarte all arrived quite late to the party. The only one who might push his way in is Rafael Leao in place of transfer-listed Samu Castillejo, as their brief pre-season friendly test showed a good rapport with Krzysztof Piatek.
Suso is a mainstay in the Milan side, but has been revamped as a trequartista in Giampaolo’s 4-3-1-2 formation. Mattia Caldara and Theo Hernandez are injured, with Franck Kessie some way off match fitness.
For Udinese, it seems like it’ll be another season-long struggle to avoid relegation. Rodrigo De Paul and Seko Fofana, two of their more influential players, appear to be on the way out to Fiorentina and Atalanta respectively, with no new signings to replace them in sight.
That’s in the future, though, as it’s likely both will still be available for this opening fixture, joining Ignacio Pussetto in support of Kevin Lasagna. Sebastien De Maio is on the treatment table, with Hidde Ter-Avest and Giuseppe Pezzella also in doubt, so Becao could get his debut.
Keep an eye on: Krzysztof Piatek (Milan) - The Polish striker will be looking to prove that he’s not just a one season wonder, as he looks to follow up from his breakout debut Serie A season with Genoa and Milan.
Form Guide: N/A
Last season: Udinese 0-1 Milan
Stat fact: These sides met in the opening Serie A round on four occasions, resulting in a Milan victory and three consecutive stalemates.
Top tip: Under 2.5 Goals.
Udinese (probable): Musso; Becao, Troost-Ekong, Samir; Stryger-Larsen, Mandragora, Fofana, Jajalo, Pussetto; De Paul, Lasagna
Suspended: None
Milan (probable): G Donnarumma; Calabria, Romagnoli, Musacchio, Rodriguez; Calhanoglu, Biglia, Paqueta; Suso; Piatek, Leao
Suspended: None