Season Opener: Milan – Udinese

Milan celebrated its 19th Scudetto and the summer started with a big dose of optimism and some questions with an, still in process, ownership change. As always there is lots to be said about how the summer has gone and there is still more than two weeks left in the transfer window but suffice to say not much has happened yet and a chunk of that optimism and celebration has gone.

The season starts with little questions about who will be on the pitch to defend the title. Origi, all but signed before last season concluded, returned to training very recently and is unlikely to be 100 percent. Adli, signed last season and loaned back to Bordeaux, has been one of the best in preseason but may not start. De Ketelaere, signed after one of the longest and almost surreal transfer sagas, will get his chance but it may not be week one either. This all means the starting 11 could be all familiar faces. Maignan in goal, Calabria, Kalulu, Tomori, and Theo at the back. Tonali sustained an injury in preseason and won’t be ready for another week or so. Krunic is likely to claim his spot and start with Bennacer. With Kessie gone the midfield options are Bakayoko and Pobega, for now. Messias, Diaz and Leao look to be starters behind Rebic, with Giroud starting on the bench. Diaz in particular, has more competition in the squad with Adli and De Ketelaere capable of claiming the attacking midfield place. Ibra is of course still out following knee surgery and is not expected to be back until January.

Udinese did not make big news this summer and lost Nahuel Molina Atletico Madrid as the only main departure. The team does have a new coach in Andrea Sottil. The Italian has a decade of Serie B and lower leagues coaching experience and was most recently in charge of Ascoli.

There is always more about this and all Milan matches on the forums.