The football world is gearing up for a return. But before that, there is an interesting friendly between AC Milan and Chelsea on August 10, 2025, at Stamford Bridge during the 2025 VisitMalta Weekender. This pre-season encounter promises to be a great spectacle, with both teams looking to fine-tune their squads ahead of their respective domestic campaigns.
Fans and bettors alike are eager to see how this matchup unfolds, especially with the growing popularity of sports betting, including markets like Indian premier league betting, which has captured global attention.
AC Milan's current form and Milan standings:
The Milan standings in the 2024/2025 Serie A season saw them finish eighth with 63 points, a disappointing result that prompted significant changes. The appointment of Massimiliano Allegri as head coach in May 2025, alongside key signings like Luka Modric, signals a renewed focus on success.
Milan’s attacking options, led by Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic, are expected to challenge Chelsea’s defense. However, injuries have historically plagued Milan in recent years, and maintaining squad fitness will be critical. The Milan standings in the upcoming campaign, which kicks off on August 17, 2025 (with a Coppa Italia match against Bari), will depend on how well Allegri integrates new players and builds on last season’s flashes of brilliance, such as the 3:0 Coppa Italia win over Inter.
AC Milan's schedule and pre-season momentum:
The AC Milan schedule for the 2025/2026 season is packed with high-stakes fixtures. Following this friendly, Milan will face Bologna in the third matchday of Serie A, with the crucial clash against Italian champions Napoli on matchday 4 then Juventus after. Facing Roma shall be in the 10th fixture while the derby clash with Inter should take place on the 12th matchday on November 23, 2025.
It is important that Milan must build momentum right from the start. We are talking about the pre-season friendlies, the Coppa Italia first round with Bari and the first two Serie A games with Cremonese and Lecce.
Chelsea's situation and squad:
The Blues have ended their season on impeccable notes. They have finished in 4th place in the Premier League 2024/2025 season. They also won the Europa Conference League against Betis with a 4-1 score. They have also won the FIFA Club World Cup trophy in the United States after beating Paris Saint-Germain in the final with a 3-0 score last July 13 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Chelsea's squad boasts talents like the Chelsea squad boasts talents like Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernández, and Moisés Caicedo, forming a dynamic core for the 2025-26 season. Under head coach Enzo Maresca, the team blends youthful energy with experienced players, aiming to compete in the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, and UEFA Champions League. New signings like Liam Delap and Dario Essugo add depth, while academy prospects like Josh Acheampong and Tyrique George signal a bright future. The squad’s versatility is evident in its mix of attacking flair, with players like Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke, and defensive solidity from Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo. Despite a strong fourth-place finish last season, securing Champions League qualification, challenges remain in maintaining consistency against top rivals. With a focus on developing young talent and leveraging Maresca’s tactical acumen, Chelsea are poised for a competitive campaign across all competitions.
The Chelsea 2025-26 Premier League season kicks off with a series of London derbies, starting with Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on August 17, 2025, at 9:00 AM ET, followed by West Ham (away) on August 22, Fulham (home) on August 30, and Brentford (away) on September 13. Key matches include hosting Liverpool on October 4, a trip to Manchester United on September 20, and a festive period with Aston Villa (home) on December 27 and Bournemouth (home) on December 30. The season concludes with challenging fixtures against Liverpool (away) on May 9, Tottenham (home) on May 17, and Sunderland (away) on May 24. Chelsea will also compete in the UEFA Champions League, with their campaign starting September 16–18, alongside the FA Cup and EFL Cup. For a full schedule, refer to the sports card above.
Key Players to Watch
Chelsea's star, Cole Palmer (formerly of Manchester City) is definitely one to watch. His creativity and goal-scoring ability make him a pivotal figure in Enzo Maresca’s possession-based system, especially in high-stakes matches. He was also a key figure in the Blues' triumph in the FIFA Club World Cup competition.
The Ecuadorian midfielder has become a cornerstone of Chelsea’s midfield, excelling in the holding role with his defensive solidity and ability to break up play. His high ratings in key matches last season highlight his importance to Chelsea’s tactical setup against strong opponents.
As for the Rossoneri their key players are definitely Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic. The attacking duo have great technical abilities. They leverage their pace and flair especially in one-on-one situations and always look to find a teammate in a great position in order to create goal scoring opportunities.
The prediction is a 2:2 draw, with both teams finding the net through their star players. Bettors might consider options like “both teams to score” or a high total goals market, given the attacking talent on display.
