Two of Europe’s football giants, Chelsea and AC Milan, are set to conclude their pre-season preparations with a high-profile friendly at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, August 10, 2025. The match serves as a final dress rehearsal for both clubs as they gear up for their respective domestic campaigns, offering managers a crucial last look at their squads before the competitive action begins.
Chelsea’s Whirlwind Preparations
For Chelsea, the match marks the end of an unusually condensed pre-season. The Blues are less than a month removed from their triumphant 2025 FIFA Club World Cup campaign, where they defeated Paris Saint-Germain. Their pre-season schedule has been brief, featuring a 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen just days before the Milan clash. New signings like Joao Pedro and Estevao have already shown promising signs, impressing in the win against the German side.
However, the short turnaround presents a unique challenge. Manager Enzo Maresca has acknowledged the complexity of the situation, stating, “We cannot do pre-season, we don’t have time… It is very complicated.” His concerns are compounded by a long-term injury to key defender Levi Colwill, which has left the squad looking thin at the back. The match against Milan will be a vital test of the team’s fitness and cohesion ahead of the Premier League’s opening weekend.
AC Milan’s New-Look Squad and Familiar Faces
AC Milan arrives in London for their final friendly before their Coppa Italia first-round match against Bari on August 18. The Rossoneri have had a mixed summer tour, securing victories over Liverpool and Perth Glory, but also losing to Arsenal and, most recently, drawing 1-1 with Leeds United. According to reports, manager Massimiliano Allegri rotated his squad heavily for the Leeds match, resting key players in anticipation of the Stamford Bridge fixture.
The match will see several former Chelsea players return to their old stomping grounds. Fikayo Tomori and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are slated to start for the Italian side. Loftus-Cheek expressed his excitement about the return, saying, “It’s good to be back. I wasn’t sure if I’d ever play here again. It is very nice to come here and see some familiar faces.” Another ex-Blue, Christian Pulisic, will miss the reunion due to a minor injury, as reported by BBC Sport. Milan will also be looking to integrate new signings like former Real Madrid star Luka Modric and midfielder Samuele Ricci.
Confirmed Lineups and How to Watch
Both clubs have named strong starting XIs for the encounter, signaling their intent to treat the match as a serious competitive test. The kick-off is scheduled for 10am ET (3pm BST).
Chelsea Starting XI: Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Tosin, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Gittens; Joao Pedro
AC Milan Starting XI: Maignan; Coubis, Tomori, Terracciano; Saelemaekers, Musah, Ricci, Fofana, Bartesaghi; Leao, Loftus-Cheek
The friendly offers a fascinating clash of styles and narratives. For Chelsea, it’s about carrying momentum from their Club World Cup success into the new season despite potential fatigue. For AC Milan, it’s a final opportunity to fine-tune a squad blended with new talent and familiar faces. Fans in the UK can watch the match on Channel 5 and DAZN, while viewers in the US and Canada can stream it on DAZN.
