The highly anticipated friendly match between Liverpool and AC Milan is set to kick off on July 26, 2025, at the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong. This encounter promises to be an exciting clash between two European powerhouses, with Liverpool looking to continue their dominance and Milan seeking a fresh start under Massimiliano Allegri.
Liverpool's Stronghold
Liverpool, the reigning Premier League champions, have been in top form under Arne Slot. Their 5-0 thrashing of Stoke City in their last friendly showcased their attacking prowess, with new signings Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz making a significant impact. Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, and Wirtz form a potent attacking trio, backed by the defensive solidity of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté.
Milan's Rebuilding Efforts
AC Milan, on the other hand, are rebuilding after a disappointing 2024-25 Serie A season. Despite their 1-0 loss to Arsenal in their last friendly, Milan showed defensive resilience, with young goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani saving three penalties in the shootout. Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic offer counter-attacking threats, while new signings Samuele Ricci and Pervis Estupiñán aim to add midfield steel.
Tactical Contrast
The match promises to be an intriguing tactical battle, with Liverpool's high-pressing 4-2-3-1 formation facing Milan's compact 3-5-2 setup. Liverpool's high line could be vulnerable to Leão and Pulisic's pace, while Milan's counter-attacking threat could exploit Liverpool's defensive vulnerabilities.
Prediction
Given the teams' recent form and statistics, Liverpool seem likely to dominate the match. Their 2.47 goals per game and 78.6 xG make them favorites to win. A 3-1 victory for Liverpool is a plausible outcome, with Salah, Wirtz, or Núñez scoring crucial goals. However, Milan's counter-attacking stars could keep it competitive, and Leão or Pulisic might score on the counter.
Key Battles
The match will feature several key battles, including Rafael Leão vs. Conor Bradley and Pulisic vs. Trent Alexander-Arnold (if he starts). The outcome of these battles could significantly impact the match's result.
Conclusion
The Liverpool vs. AC Milan friendly promises to be an exciting encounter between two European giants. With both teams looking to test their tactical setups and integrate new signings, this match offers a glimpse into their respective campaigns. Expect an open, high-scoring game, with Liverpool's attacking depth likely prevailing but Milan's counter-attacking stars keeping it competitive.
