Newcastle United’s European Adventure Begins with a Trip to the San Siro
Newcastle United is set to embark on their first Champions League campaign in 20 years, and their journey begins with a challenging away fixture against AC Milan at the San Siro.
Manager Eddie Howe spoke to TNT Sport ahead of the game and expressed his excitement for the upcoming challenge. He acknowledged the daunting atmosphere at the stadium, even with only half the seats filled, and emphasized the importance of experienced players in rising to the occasion. Howe also stressed the team’s desire not to waste their hard work in reaching this stage and their determination to make their supporters proud.
Newcastle’s opponents, AC Milan, have made three changes to their starting lineup following their humiliating defeat to Internazionale in Serie A. Samu Chukwueze, Fikayo Tomori, and Tommaso Pobega will replace Tijjani Reijnders, Simon Kjær, and Christian Pulisic.
Similarly, Newcastle United has made three changes to their starting lineup after their narrow victory over Brentford. Sandro Tonali, Jacob Murphy, and Alexander Isak have been included, while Callum Wilson, Elliot Anderson, and Harvey Barnes have been left out. Tonali’s return to his former club adds an extra layer of intrigue to the fixture.
The teams for the match are as follows:
AC Milan: Maignan, Calabria, Thiaw, Tomori, Hernandez, Loftus-Cheek, Krunic, Pobega, Chukwueze, Giroud, Leao.
Subs: Adli, Pulisic, Reijnders, Jovic, Okafor, Kjaer, Florenzi, Sportiello, Musah, Mirante, Bartesaghi.
Newcastle United: Pope, Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn, Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes, Tonali, Murphy, Isak, Gordon.
Subs: Dummett, Lascelles, Wilson, Targett, Barnes, Karius, Hall, Livramento, Almiron, Anderson, Miley, Harris.
The match will be officiated by Spanish referee Jose Maria Sanchez.
Newcastle United has a rich history in European competition. They made an immediate impact in the 1968-69 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup tournament, winning the competition in their first attempt. The team defeated strong opponents such as Feyenoord, Sporting Lisbon, and Rangers en route to lifting continental silverware.
Now, the current squad aims to replicate that success as they face formidable opponents in their Champions League group, including Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, and AC Milan. The San Siro clash will be a test of their mettle, and Howe believes his players should approach it as just another game of football.
AC Milan’s recent performance, a 5-1 thrashing by rivals Internazionale, provides some hope for Newcastle. However, Milan’s 4-1 victory over Torino at San Siro earlier in the season showcases their ability to rise to the occasion when necessary.
The Toon faithful eagerly await the outcome of this crucial fixture, hoping that their team can make a strong start to their European adventure. The match kicks off at 5:45 PM BST, and all eyes will be on the San Siro to witness how Newcastle United fares in their return to the Champions League stage.