Milan‑Benfica: Modric on the bench, Hutchinson eyeing a starting role

Milan face Benfica tonight at San Siro in their first Europa League match under the guidance of Ruben Amorim. After losing the Champions League last season, the Rossoneri hope to start well, with Luka Modric on the bench and Gonçalo Hutchinson in contention for a starting spot.

Milan's preparation in the Europa League

Amorim's side arrives at the match after a draw with Lazio, where Diego Moreira recorded his first brace after giving the white-and-sky-blue side a double lead. The result added to the 1-1 at the Allianz Stadium in Turin against Juventus, showing a certain defensive solidity. Benfica, second in the Portuguese league table, have won five of the six league matches, drawing only on the first matchday.

News in defence and midfield

Modric remains on the bench, while Luka Rabiot takes a break; in midfield we have Musah, the protagonist of the comeback against Lazio, alongside Jashari. On the right flank will be Bartesaghi, while Gila rests and Terracciano takes the place in defence. In attack, Cisse and the former Nottingham Forest player Gonçalo Hutchinson start from the first minute, with Gabriele Gabbia returning at full strength. De Winter will be rested, Bondo is absent despite a written request via PEC, and the coach emphasized the importance of discipline. HUTCHINSON is ready to prove his worth.

Benfica line‑up

Marco Silva keeps the classic 4-2-3-1: Pavlidis is the striker, while Prestianni, Schjelderup and Rafa Silva occupy the three attacking midfield positions. In midfield, the former Fulham player Palhinha partners with Barreiro. In defence, the former Parma player Circati stays ahead of Lenglet and Araujo, who close the defensive line.

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A historical reminder: in the group stage of the 2007/2008 Champions League, Milan had won 2-1 against Benfica thanks to goals from Andrea Pirlo and Filippo Inzaghi, while Nuno Gomes had scored for the Portuguese.

Moreira, the protagonist of the brace against Lazio, will play on the left side with Chukwueze on the opposite wing, forming a dynamic duo. His first career brace was decisive for the result against Lazio.

Gonçalo Hutchinson, former Nottingham Forest and Paris Saint‑Germain player, has 106 appearances and 41 goals for the first team. His inclusion could be the big surprise, with Christian Pulisic starting in the three attacking midfield positions alongside Hutchinson.

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Amorim gave a short speech to the squad, asking them to translate recent training sessions onto the pitch. The Nigerian international Chukwueze is in excellent physical condition and helps to strengthen the group's cohesion, especially with the newcomers.