Milan coach Stefano Pioli explains his choices including three newcomers in the starting XI against Bologna. ‘The idea is to have a complete squad with 20-22 first choice players.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Dall’Ara at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
The Rossoneri confirm their transformation over the summer by starting three new signings, Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tijjani Reijnders.
It probably would’ve been four, but Yunus Musah is sitting out a ban that was left over from his time playing for Valencia in LaLiga.
“It is always exciting before the first game of the season, we’re curious to see what we can come up with,” Pioli told DAZN.
“We are playing those who are most ready, who have been working together since July. Chukwueze, Okafor and Musah only arrived two weeks ago, but I don’t think it will take them long to be at the same level as their teammates.”
When Milan lost in the Champions League semi-final to their arch-rivals Inter, it was noted the Nerazzurri had far more strength in depth and the players who came off the bench eventually made the difference.
That was evidently one of the reasons behind the investment push this summer to bring in different alternatives and it is not over yet.
“The idea is to have a complete squad, with 20-22 first choice players, because we have a lot of games to play and want to be competitive in every tournament. We need players up to the task.
“We will take it one game at a time, but I am convinced we are forming a good group and now we’ll do our talking on the pitch.”