AC Milan to host SL Benfica in UEFA Europa League opener at San Siro on September 16

AC Milan will host SL Benfica at the San Siro Stadium on September 16 in the opening league phase fixture of the UEFA Europa League 2026-27, with both sides unbeaten so far in their respective campaigns.

AC Milan began the new season with wins over Torino and Venezia before being held to draws against Juventus and Lazio, and the club has been warned it needs improved performances in attack and defence to avoid a tougher run going forward. At home they will have some confidence, but the preview cautioned they must not take Benfica lightly.

The Marco Silva-led side arrive on a five-match winning run and have conceded three goals across those five games; Benfica will aim to start their UEFA Europa League campaign on a positive note and travel with confidence despite being the away team.

The 31-year-old Frenchman provided a crucial assist in the 2-2 draw against Lazio; his work rate is going to be crucial for the hosts in the final third as well.

Vangelis Pavlidis comes into the fixture after scoring a brace against Gil Vicente and has scored three goals in his last two games; he is expected to be deployed as a sole striker and could pose a threat to Milan’s defence.

AC Milan have all of their players fit and ready to be in action. Alexander Bah is not going to be in action for Benfica. He is injured. The published lineups list AC Milan as: Maignan (GK); Gila, De Winter, Pavlovic; Chukwueze, Modric, Rabiot, Estupinan; Loftus-Cheek, Cisse; Ramos Trubin (GK); and Benfica as: Benjaqui, Araujo, Lenglet, Dahl; Barrenechea, Barreiro; Silva, Prestianni, Schjelderup; Pavlidis.

Prediction: AC Milan 2-1 Benfica.

These sides are going to collide at the San Siro Stadium on September 16. Fans in India will be able to view the games live via the Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV.