What to expect from Milan against Juventus, Real Madrid and Barcelona

Milan will meet Real Madrid, Juventus and Barcelona in the Soccer Champions Tour with several new faces, including Christian Pulisic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek: here’s what to expect from the Rossoneri in the USA.

Sandro Tonali’s move to Newcastle United for €80m has paved the way for a new course at Milanello with several new signings already coming in.

Milan have secured the services of Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Tijjani Reijnders, Marco Sportiello, Luka Romero and Noah Okafor, who will land in the USA after signing his contract at Casa Milan on Saturday. This means the Swiss striker may not be involved in Milan’s first game against Real Madrid on July 24 (July 23 in the USA).

The likes of Ante Rebic, Fodé Ballo-Touré and Divock Origi are on the market and have remained in Italy. The same is true of Mattia Caldara and Marko Lazetic. Pulisic will be the man to watch. The USMNT captain has been Milan’s biggest signing so far and is expected to receive a hero’s welcome back home.

The ex-Chelsea winger provided two assists in a 7-0 win over Serie C side Lumezzane on Thursday. The American star can play on the left or the right wing or even as an attacking midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Pioli is expected to alternate this tactical system with 4-3-3, which, on paper, seems to fit more the newcomers Loftus-Cheek and Reijnders.

During his latest interview with Sky Sport Italia, Pioli confirmed he will try a 4-3-3 formation during the pre-season tour in the USA. There will be expectations on Rafael Leao who returned to training earlier this week. The Portuguese striker extended his contract at the end of 2022-23 and will be seen wearing Milan’s No.10 shirt for the first time in the USA.

Okafor may not be the only new signing joining Milan in America as the Rossoneri are also close to signing Samuel Chukwueze from Villarreal. According to Gazzetta, the two clubs have already agreed on the winger’s transfer fee, but according to other reports, including Sky Sport, Milan and Villarreal are still finalising some details and will shake hands at the beginning of next week.