# Celtic vs AC Milan: Starting XI, Stats & Squad Updates for Paradise Friendly
GLASGOW, July 25 (Reuters) – Celtic host AC Milan at Celtic Park in a high-profile pre-season friendly. The match serves as a key test for both sides ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
Celtic aim to evaluate squad depth against Serie A opposition. Milan, under manager Ruben Amorim, use the fixture to sharpen tactics.
Confirmed Celtic Starting XI
Celtic’s official website confirmed the starting lineup. Manager Brendan Rodgers opted for a 4-3-3 formation.
Celtic Starting XI: Kasper Schmeichel; Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales, Greg Taylor; Callum McGregor, Matt O’Riley, Reo Hatate; Liel Abada, Kyogo Furuhashi, Luis Palma.
Key inclusion: new signing Luis Palma starts on the left wing. Kyogo Furuhashi leads the attack. No major surprises.
AC Milan Squad News: Nkunku Injury & Amorim’s Call-Ups
Milan suffered a late setback. Christopher Nkunku pulled up in training with a minor muscle issue, per Goal.com. He has been withdrawn from the squad.
Amorim called up an alternative group for Glasgow. The traveling squad includes:
– Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan, Marco Sportiello
– Defenders: Theo Hernandez, Fikayo Tomori, Malick Thiaw, Davide Calabria
– Midfielders: Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Tijjani Reijnders, Ismael Bennacer
– Forwards: Rafael Leao, Olivier Giroud, Christian Pulisic, Samuel Chukwueze
Nkunku’s absence forces Amorim to adjust attacking plans. Leao and Giroud are expected to start.
Head-to-Head Stats: Celtic vs AC Milan in Friendlies
Historical data from BBC Sport shows limited friendly encounters. Two prior meetings.
| Season | Venue | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Celtic Park | Celtic 1-0 Milan | Pre-season friendly |
| 2014 | San Siro | Milan 2-0 Celtic | International Champions Cup |
Average goals per match: 1.5. Celtic hold a narrow advantage in home friendlies. Milan have superior recent form.
Tactical Analysis
Celtic deploy a high-pressing 4-3-3. Rodgers relies on full-backs Johnston and Taylor for width. Milan favour possession-based 4-2-3-1 under Amorim.
Key matchup: Celtic’s forward trio against Milan’s defense without Nkunku’s creative threat. Kyogo’s movement vs Tomori’s pace.
Key Players to Watch
– Celtic: Luis Palma – new signing, direct dribbling. Matt O’Riley – midfield engine.
– Milan: Rafael Leao – pace on the left. Tijjani Reijnders – box-to-box midfielder. Samuel Chukwueze – potential impact off bench.
Nkunku’s absence elevates Chukwueze’s role.
Fan Expectations & Atmosphere
Celtic Park sold out for the fixture. Fans view this as a benchmark for Rodgers’ squad development. Pre-match tributes planned for club legends. Atmosphere expected to be intense despite friendly status.
Post-Match Summary & Implications
Result and performance will shape pre-season narratives. A strong showing boosts Celtic’s confidence ahead of SPFL opener. Milan assess fitness levels before Serie A start.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What is the confirmed Celtic starting XI against AC Milan?
- A: Celtic start with a 4-3-3 formation: Kasper Schmeichel in goal; Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales, Greg Taylor in defense; Callum McGregor, Matt O’Riley, Reo Hatate in midfield; Liel Abada, Kyogo Furuhashi, and new signing Luis Palma up front.
- Q: Why is Christopher Nkunku missing for AC Milan in this friendly?
- A: Christopher Nkunku was withdrawn from the squad after pulling up with a minor muscle issue during training, as confirmed by Goal.com, forcing Milan manager Ruben Amorim to adjust his attacking plans.
- Q: Which AC Milan players are available for the match at Celtic Park?
- A: Milan’s traveling squad includes goalkeepers Mike Maignan and Marco Sportiello; defenders Theo Hernandez, Fikayo Tomori, Malick Thiaw, Davide Calabria; midfielders Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Tijjani Reijnders, Ismael Bennacer; and forwards Rafael Leao, Olivier Giroud, Christian Pulisic, Samuel Chukwueze.
Extended Reading
Match details sourced from Celticfc.com, BBC Sport, and Goal.com.
