Chelsea: Alonso begins shaping a new project

Chelsea are entering a new era after a disappointing 2025/26 campaign, when the Blues finished only 10th in the Premier League and changed managers during the season. After the campaign ended, the club turned to Xabi Alonso, who has now started the process of rebuilding the squad and introducing his own footballing ideas.

The London side have been active in the transfer market, bringing in a number of new faces and experienced players expected to strengthen the team’s mentality and competitiveness. So far in preseason, Chelsea have produced mixed results, winning once and losing twice across three friendlies.

With three more warm-up matches scheduled before their Premier League opener against Frosinone on August 24, Alonso will continue testing different formations, evaluating new signings, and searching for the right balance ahead of the competitive campaign.

AC Milan: Amorim’s rebuild still searching for a first victory

AC Milan are also starting a fresh chapter following a coaching change. The Rossoneri ended last season in fifth place in Serie A with 70 points from 38 matches, securing Europa League qualification but falling short of their ambitions.

Ruben Amorim has taken charge after leaving Manchester United midway through the previous campaign, and he is now working to implement his tactical philosophy at San Siro. Under the Portuguese coach, Milan have played two preseason fixtures so far, drawing 2-2 with Celtic and 1-1 against Inter.

The Rossoneri still have upcoming tests against Chelsea and Manchester United before beginning their Serie A campaign against Torino on August 23. These matches will provide Amorim with valuable opportunities to assess his squad and improve tactical cohesion.

Match facts & head-to-head

Chelsea have suffered defeats in their last two matches and lost three of their previous four games.

AC Milan are without a win in their last three fixtures, recording two draws and one defeat.

Milan have conceded in six consecutive matches, while Chelsea have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last eight games.

The most recent meeting between the two sides ended with AC Milan winning 4-1.