Fabio Capello is ‘surprised’ by one of the Milan decisions made against Newcastle United, while Paolo Di Canio sees Eddie Howe also taking a ‘conservative’ approach.
It kicks off at San Siro at 17.45 UK time (16.45 GMT).
The Champions League group is rounded out by Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund, making this the toughest on paper to predict qualification.
The Rossoneri need to get back on track quickly after a 5-1 Derby della Madonnina defeat to Inter on Saturday.
Stefano Pioli has made changes, bringing in Fikayo Tomori after his ban in Serie A, plus Samuel Chukwueze for Christian Pulisic and Tijjani Reijnders replaced by Tommaso Pobega.
“I was very surprised by the decision to leave out Reijnders,” Capello told Sky Sport Italia.
“Reijnders was the player with quality, the only one with vision who could move the ball quickly, which is all especially important on home turf. Of course, after conceding five goals, Pioli had to strengthen the defensive element of the midfield.”
Newcastle United also made a surprise adjustment, bringing in Jacob Murphy representing his hometown club rather than Miguel Almiron on the right side.
“Both coaches took a rather conservative approach to this opening game,” added pundit Paolo Di Canio.