🔴 AC Milan
Club World Cup team hub
Serie A turbulence as prep work
Milan’s 2023-24 league campaign exposed familiar flaws — Pioli’s side conceded 49 goals, their worst defensive record in a decade. The Rossoneri juggled Champions League football with Serie A’s brutal schedule, finishing 19 points behind Inter. Leão’s explosive moments and Pulisic’s resurgence kept them competitive, but defensive lapses against mid-table sides like Monza raise questions about their focus against underdogs from other continents.
San Siro’s ghosts in Saudi heat
Milan’s European aura stems from seven Champions League titles, but their last came in 2007. Recent exits to Inter (2023 semifinals) and Spurs (2022 Round of 16) show vulnerability in high-stakes knockout football. The Club World Cup’s single-elimination format amplifies pressure — their 4-0 Supercoppa loss to Inter in Riyadh suggests Saudi conditions won’t favor their high-pressing game.
The Theo Hernández wildcard
Milan’s left-back remains their most potent weapon — his 11 goal contributions in 2023-24 led all Serie A defenders. Hernández’s marauding runs could exploit weaker CONMEBOL or AFC fullbacks, but his defensive positioning remains suspect. Against quicker Asian or African wingers, Pioli may need to deploy Calabria as a stabilizing force behind him.
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Borussia Dortmund | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2 | Chelsea | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 3 | Inter Milan | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 4 | AC Milan | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Match | Date | Group | Score | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chelsea vs AC MilanEstadio Philadelphia | Mon, Jun 23, 2025 · 20:00 ET | c | – | Scheduled |
| Inter Milan vs AC MilanEstadio Philadelphia | Wed, Jun 25, 2025 · 17:00 ET | c | – | Scheduled |
| Borussia Dortmund vs AC MilanEstadio Philadelphia | Thu, Jun 26, 2025 · 20:00 ET | c | – | Scheduled |
Frequently asked questions
When did AC Milan last win the Club World Cup?+
Never. Their only appearance came in 2007, losing 4-2 to Boca Juniors in Yokohama.
How many Serie A teams qualify for the 2025 Club World Cup?+
Two: Inter (2023 Champions League finalists) and Milan (coefficient qualifiers).
Will Rafael Leão be fit for the Club World Cup?+
Barring injuries, yes. His €175m release clause makes a 2024 transfer unlikely.
What’s Milan’s biggest weakness against global opponents?+
Set-piece defending. They conceded 14 goals from dead balls in Serie A last season.