As AC Milan prepares for another high-stakes battle in the UEFA Champions League, this time facing off against Club Brugge, fans and pundits alike are buzzing with anticipation. The historic San Siro club has seen a resurgence in European competitions in recent years, rekindling memories of its glorious past. Under Stefano Pioli’s management, the Rossoneri have become a formidable force once again, blending youth and experience to create a squad capable of competing at the highest levels.
However, facing a team like Club Brugge is never straightforward. The Belgian side has proven to be tough opposition in recent years, with an aggressive, high-pressing style that can trouble even the most seasoned teams. While AC Milan is undoubtedly the favorite, Pioli will need to get his tactics and team selection spot on to secure victory.
AC Milan’s Recent Form and Tactical Setup
Before delving into the potential lineup, it’s crucial to understand the context in which Milan is approaching this match. Pioli has often deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation, relying heavily on the attacking prowess of players like Rafael Leão, Christian Pulisic, and Olivier Giroud. The team has also leaned on a solid defense, led by experienced veterans like Simon Kjær and rising stars such as Fikayo Tomori. Milan’s midfield is another area of strength, with Ismaël Bennacer and Sandro Tonali (before his move to Newcastle) orchestrating play.
In recent Serie A and Champions League matches, Milan has shown glimpses of brilliance but also areas of vulnerability, particularly when facing high-energy, fast-paced teams. This is where Club Brugge could exploit them, as the Belgian team is known for its relentless pressing and quick transitions.
Club Brugge: A Dangerous Opponent
Club Brugge may not have the same star-studded lineup as AC Milan, but they are more than capable of pulling off upsets. In last year’s Champions League campaign, Brugge demonstrated their potential by advancing through the group stages in a group that included powerhouses like Atlético Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen. They did this through tactical discipline, a solid defense, and a willingness to press high up the pitch. Players like Noa Lang and Andreas Skov Olsen can cause problems for Milan’s defense, while captain Hans Vanaken pulls the strings in midfield.
Given these factors, Pioli will need to carefully select a lineup that can cope with Brugge’s intensity while also imposing Milan’s superior technical ability.
Predicted AC Milan Starting XI vs. Club Brugge
- Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan Without a doubt, Maignan will be Milan’s first-choice goalkeeper for this crucial fixture. Since joining from Lille in 2021, Maignan has solidified his reputation as one of Europe’s top goalkeepers. His shot-stopping ability, command of the penalty area, and distribution make him a vital cog in Milan’s defensive setup. Against a team like Club Brugge, Maignan’s composure under pressure will be essential, especially when facing quick counterattacks.
- Right-Back: Davide Calabria The Milan captain is a guaranteed starter at right-back. Calabria brings defensive solidity and a knack for getting forward to support the attack. He’s also been a key leader on the pitch, marshalling the backline and ensuring that Milan’s defensive shape remains intact. Given Brugge’s pace on the wings, Calabria will have his work cut out for him, but his experience and positional awareness should help nullify the threat.
- Center-Back: Fikayo Tomori Tomori has become one of Milan’s most reliable defenders since his arrival from Chelsea. His pace, physicality, and ability to read the game make him a perfect fit for Pioli’s high defensive line. Tomori will need to be at his best to handle Brugge’s counterattacking threats, particularly from the likes of Lang and Olsen.
- Center-Back: Malick Thiaw Simon Kjær’s age and occasional injury concerns mean that Thiaw could be preferred alongside Tomori. The young German defender has shown promise with his athleticism and ability to play out from the back. Against a high-pressing team like Brugge, Thiaw’s composure on the ball will be crucial in helping Milan build from the back without succumbing to pressure.
- Left-Back: Theo Hernández One of Milan’s most dangerous players, Theo Hernández, will undoubtedly start at left-back. His ability to burst forward and join the attack makes him one of the most complete full-backs in Europe. Hernández’s pace and crossing ability can create numerous opportunities for Milan’s forwards, and his partnership with Rafael Leão on the left flank could be the key to unlocking Brugge’s defense.
- Defensive Midfield: Ismaël Bennacer Returning from injury, Bennett will likely anchor Milan’s midfield. His ability to break up play and transition from defense to attack makes him indispensable. Bennacer’s range of passing will be critical in bypassing Brugge’s press and feeding Milan’s attacking players. If Milan is to dominate possession, Bennett will be central to that effort.
- Defensive Midfield: Tijjani Reijnders The summer signing from AZ Alkmaar has been a revelation for Milan. Reijnders is not only a hard-working midfielder but also has a great ability to link play between defense and attack. His dynamic box-to-box style will be important in ensuring that Milan can match Brugge’s energy in the middle of the park.
- Attacking Midfield: Christian Pulisic With the departure of Brahim Díaz, Pulisic has often been used in the attacking midfield role or on the right wing. His ability to dribble at defenders and create chances makes him a constant threat. Against Brugge, Pulisic’s creativity and ability to find pockets of space between the lines could be vital in breaking down a stubborn defense.
- Left Wing: Rafael Leo Leão is Milan’s star man and a guaranteed starter on the left wing. His pace, skill, and finishing ability make him one of the most feared attackers in Europe. Leão’s directness and ability to take on defenders will be crucial in stretching Brugge’s defense and creating space for Milan’s other attackers. If Milan is to score, it’s likely that Leão will play a significant role in that.
- Right Wing: Samuel Chukwueze The Nigerian winger has impressed since joining Milan, adding an extra layer of unpredictability to the attack. Chukwueze’s pace and dribbling ability make him a perfect foil for Leão on the opposite wing. By playing both Leão and Chukwueze, Pioli ensures that Milan can attack down both flanks, stretching the Brugge defense and creating gaps for the central attackers to exploit.
- Striker: Olivier Giroud Even at 37, Giroud remains Milan’s main man up front. His ability to hold up play, win aerial duels, and finish clinically makes him an essential part of Pioli’s setup. Against Brugge’s physical defense, Giroud’s experience and physicality will be crucial in creating chances for himself and his teammates. He’s also a threat from set pieces, which could be an important factor in a tight game.
Publish by : Roperzh
