🔴 Liverpool vs AC Milan – Full Match Preview: Arne Slot Faces First Major European Test in Hong Kong

Published by Reliable Football – July 24, 2025

The preseason continues to heat up as two European giants  Liverpool and AC Milan  clash in what promises to be a compelling international friendly at Kai Tak Sports Park, Hong Kong, on Saturday, July 26.

For Liverpool, this encounter is about more than match fitness. It is a vital opportunity to test Arne Slot’s tactical blueprint against continental opposition. For AC Milan, it marks an early chance to show adaptation under the returning Massimiliano Allegri, who has rejoined the Rossoneri in a bid to restore structure and identity after a turbulent 2024/25 campaign.

Let’s take an in-depth look at everything ahead of this blockbuster clash.

📍 Match Details

• Fixture: Liverpool vs AC Milan (Preseason Friendly)
• Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
• Kick-off: 12:30 PM BST | 7:30 PM Local (Hong Kong)
• Venue: Kai Tak Sports Park, Hong Kong
• Broadcast: LFCTV (UK), DAZN (Italy), YouTube (if available), and streaming platforms

🏟️ Significance of the Match

Preseason friendlies are often viewed through a light-hearted lens, but this encounter carries more weight than most. Here's why:

• First elite European opponent under Arne Slot
• High-level tactical test for new signings
• Rehearsal for upcoming UEFA Super Cup and Premier League campaigns
• Fan engagement in Asia — marketing, fitness, morale, rotation, partnerships

Liverpool’s project under Slot is built around intelligent pressing, ball retention, and youthful expression. Facing AC Milan — a club with tactical discipline and deep heritage — offers a rare blend of tradition and transition.

🔁 Head-to-Head Record

Meeting	Date	Result
UEFA Champions League (Group)	Dec 2024	AC Milan 1–3 Liverpool
Club Friendly	Aug 2022	Liverpool 2–1 AC Milan
UCL Final	May 2007	AC Milan 2–1 Liverpool
UCL Final	May 2005	Liverpool 3–3 Milan (Win on Pens)

Liverpool have won six consecutive matches against Milan since the 2007 final loss  including home and away victories in the UCL group stages and a 3–1 triumph in San Siro.

🔍 Tactical Previews

🔴 Liverpool – Arne Slot’s First Major Test

Arne Slot’s approach is built on:

• 4-2-3-1 / 4-3-3 hybrid shape
• Positional discipline and aggressive vertical passing
• Youthful rotation with dynamic wing play

Expect Slot to field a near-full-strength squad. Key tactical focus areas include:

• Midfield triangle balance between Szoboszlai, Wirtz, and Mac Allister
• Ekitike’s pressing vs Milan’s back line
• Overlap movement of Alexander-Arnold
• Testing set-piece organization and counter-transition structure

• Darwin Núñez may come off the bench
• Florian Wirtz and Ekitike expected to start
• Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni could feature late in the second half

⚫ AC Milan – Allegri’s New Era Begins

Massimiliano Allegri returns to Milan after Stefano Pioli’s departure. Known for a pragmatic, balanced style, Allegri may opt for a more cautious 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 setup.

Milan’s strategy could focus on:

• Compact midfield control using Loftus-Cheek and Musah
• Wide exploitation through Rafael Leão and Pulisic
• Central target play through Okafor 

Key absence: Ismaël Bennacer (injury), Malick Thiaw (fitness), Adli (doubtful)

🌟 Key Players to Watch

Player	Club	Reason
Hugo Ekitike	Liverpool	Making debut after £69M move; expected to lead the line
Florian Wirtz	Liverpool	Visionary passer; vital to Slot’s attacking flow
Rafael Leão	Milan	Direct, electric wide player; Milan’s most dangerous asset
Pulisic	Milan	Brings Premier League familiarity and sharpness
Szoboszlai	Liverpool	Slot’s most versatile midfield tool in the press and counter

📊 Preseason Form So Far

Liverpool:

• 3–1 vs Preston North End (behind closed doors)
• 5–0 vs Stoke City (closed doors)
• 2 wins, 8 goals scored, 0 conceded
• Ekitike (2), Núñez (4), Wirtz (1) already among scorers

AC Milan:

• 1–2 loss to Arsenal in Emirates Cup
• 2–2 vs Genoa (won on pens)
• Seeking defensive consistency, midfield control

🧠 What This Match Will Tell Us

For Liverpool:

• Is Ekitike ready to start in competitive matches?
• Can Wirtz connect with Slot’s forward line?
• Is Trent Alexander-Arnold adjusting to his new hybrid midfield role?
• Who starts in goal if Alisson misses the season opener?

For AC Milan:

• How sharp is Leão post-holiday?
• Will Allegri’s pragmatism mesh with the squad?
• Who fills Bennacer’s midfield vacuum?

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🎯 Predictions & Expectations

• Scoreline Prediction: Liverpool 3–1 AC Milan
• Possession: Liverpool expected to dominate with 60%+
• Key Moment: Ekitike’s first goal involvement could ignite early fan belief
• Youngster Watch: Trey Nyoni (LFC), Zeroli (Milan)

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📣 Final Thoughts

This encounter provides both Liverpool and AC Milan with a vital reality check before the season starts. Slot's Liverpool are still a work in progress, but early performances suggest rapid cohesion. Milan, meanwhile, need to restore structure under Allegri and prepare for their Serie A title push.

Fans in Hong Kong are in for a tactical and emotional treat a clash of styles, legacies, and futures.

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