AC Milan vs Benfica

AC Milan host Benfica to begin their 2026 UEFA Europa League league stage campaign on Wednesday, 16 September. With the European season under way, two clubs boasting rich continental pedigree meet to claim vital early points in the newly formatted competition.

AC Milan Team News and Pulisic Injury Update

The major selection dilemma for AC Milan manager Ruben Amorim revolves around American forward Christian Pulisic. After suffering a calf injury while representing the USMNT at the 2026 World Cup, Pulisic has yet to make an appearance for the Rossoneri this season. Despite returning to training in mid-August and making the bench in recent domestic fixtures, Amorim has remained cautious regarding his reintegration.

In a recent press conference, the head coach confirmed his stance: "Pulisic is back from injury, I'm managing him. For now, Alpha is taking his place." Pulisic, who scored 10 goals in the first half of last season, is reportedly eager to finally take the pitch and make his long-awaited season debut.

AC Milan Form Guide and Cisse's Impact

While Pulisic works his way back to full fitness, 19-year-old Alphadjo Cisse has seamlessly stepped into the attacking void. Cisse has made a brilliant start to the campaign, netting two goals in his first three matches. That run included the opening goal in Milan's recent 1-1 draw against Juventus, a tightly contested domestic match where Amorim's side were ultimately denied all three points by a stoppage-time equaliser from Federico Gatti.

After finishing fifth in Serie A last season to secure their qualification, Milan will be aiming to translate these solid early domestic performances into continental momentum.

Benfica Challenge and the Europa League Schedule

Despite boasting seven European Cups in their trophy cabinet, AC Milan have never lifted the UEFA Europa League. Overcoming Benfica is the first hurdle in a challenging league phase schedule that will later see the Italian side face Olympiacos, Salzburg, Bournemouth, and Levski Sofia. The Portuguese giants arrive as Milan's toughest Pot 1 assignment, presenting a formidable test of Amorim’s tactical setup on Matchday 1.

A positive result in this opening fixture will be essential for either side to establish themselves in the top eight of the league phase. Following this European test, Milan will quickly turn their attention back to Serie A duties, where they are scheduled to face Lazio.