Leeds United are due to face AC Milan on August 9 over in Dublin, but the Rossoneri have scheduled a clash with Premier League rivals Chelsea just a day later.
Leeds have the chance to put themselves against some talented opposition over the weeks of pre-season under Daniel Farke, including Manchester United and Villarreal.
Also facing Leeds are Italian giants AC Milan, a mouthwatering clash taking place at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on Saturday August 9.
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That weekend is the final one before the Premier League season kicks off, giving Leeds and Farke their last opportunity to build up sharpness before a survival bid commences.
(Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs)
However, their meeting with the San Siro side has now been dampened somewhat with confirmation that AC Milan will also be facing fellow Premier League side Chelsea on Sunday August 10, just 24 hours after the game in Dublin.
The Serie A club’s statement reads:
“AC Milan’s match against Chelsea FC at Stamford Bridge on 10 August follows their friendly with Leeds United at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on 9 August.
“This consecutive weekend of top-level opposition will give coach (Massimiliano) Allegri’s squad an excellent test before the start of the 2025/26 season.”
With that, it can be expected that Milan’s lineup in the Irish capital will not be totally full strength, as they prepare for two separate games across the same weekend.
Frustrating development – Leeds United won’t be getting best possible AC Milan test
With Milan also taking on Chelsea a day later, you can imagine that their first team squad is going to be split between the two fixtures.
Chelsea’s stature and global brand probably means Milan will put their bigger names into that game, meaning we’re likely to draw the short straw here, which is frustrating.
This is our last opportunity to get the right amount of preparation in for the start of the Premier League, and a second string AC Milan side isn’t really the optimal opponent.