Stefano Pioli confirms Milan teammates handed the captain’s armband to Zlatan Ibrahimovic and they must put the Champions League out of their minds to focus on Udinese.
It kicks off at the Dacia Arena at 19.45 GMT.
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.
Ibrahimovic makes his first start since January 2022 and had never before worn the captain’s armband from the start for this club.
There were reports that, with Davide Calabria on the bench, Theo Hernandez suffering from flu and Olivier Giroud suspended, the Swede was not originally supposed to be the captain, but his fellow teammates over-ruled the club strategy.
“I think it was a gesture from Bennacer, who was meant to be the captain in our hierarchy. Zlatan represents a lot for us, both on and off the field, in the locker room, so we can only be happy with his return.”
Just over 24 hours ago, Milan learned that they will be in the Champions League quarter-finals against fellow Italians Napoli, which ought to be a fascinating clash on the European stage.
“We are fully concentrated on this game, of course. We will think about Napoli when the time comes, but this is too important, we need to get back to picking up points in Serie A and the table remains very tight.
“We need to be competitive and know it will be difficult, as Udinese defend with solidity and are very direct on the counter, but we want to take the right approach, control the game and be dangerous in attack.”
Milan have fallen behind in the race for a top four finish after managing just one point from their last two rounds, losing to Fiorentina and held 1-1 at San Siro by Salernitana.