AC Milan is gearing up for a high-stakes clash against Premier League giants Liverpool in their Champions League opener at San Siro on Tuesday. Manager Paulo Fonseca has emphasized the need for his team to be flawless defensively if they hope to stop the English side’s dominant attack.
Milan, seven-time European champions, have had a shaky start to their Serie A campaign, sitting ninth after winning just one of their first four matches. They now face a Liverpool side that is fourth in the Premier League, despite a shock 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in their last match at Anfield. Before that, Liverpool had enjoyed an unbeaten run under new coach Arne Slot, winning their first three league games without conceding a goal.
“Liverpool is one of the strongest teams in Europe,” Fonseca said in a press conference. “We need to be perfect defensively—any mistakes could cost us. This match is a chance for us to show how much we’ve progressed.”
Milan will be counting on the passionate support of their fans at the San Siro. “Our supporters always give us strength, and tomorrow will be no different,” Fonseca added. “We want to feel their love and prove our worth on the European stage.”
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Injury concerns, however, plague the Milan squad. Midfielder Ismael Bennacer is sidelined for four months after undergoing surgery on his right calf. Fonseca will have to juggle his squad carefully, especially with a crucial derby against Inter Milan coming up on Sunday.
New signing Alvaro Morata, who has already made an impact with one goal in two appearances since his move from Atletico Madrid, is preparing for what he calls “a great challenge” against Liverpool.
“It’s always been a dream to play against a team like Liverpool in the Champions League,” said Morata. “These are the kind of games that define a club’s history.”
Milan fans will be hoping their team can rise to the occasion and kick off their Champions League campaign with a statement win over one of Europe’s most formidable opponents.
