Bartesaghi: ‘Milan have important players, they are ready against Benfica’
CREMONA, ITALY - MARCH 01: Davide Bartesaghi of AC Milan in action during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and AC Milan at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 01, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
Davide Bartesaghi stands up for Ruben Amorim’s massive Milan squad rotation in the Europa League against Benfica. ‘Everyone who is called will be up to the task.’
It kicks off at San Siro at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.
The Rossoneri begin their Europa League campaign, which will also see them take on RB Salzburg, Bournemouth, Ferencvaros, Olympiacos, Sunderland, Levski-Sofia and Ararat-Armenia in the league phase.
There has been quite a lot of squad rotation for this opener, despite being held to two consecutive Serie A draws by Juventus and Lazio.
Diego Moreira came off the bench in the latter game to score two goals, yet he is not rewarded with a place in the starting XI.
Instead, Filippo Terracciano, Ardon Jashari and new signing Omari Hutchinson get the nod, while Bartesaghi himself returns after injury.
Bartesaghi stands up for Milan rotation
“These are all important players, so everyone who is called to feature will be up to the task, and playing a game like this is something you dream of as a child,” Bartesaghi told Sky Sport Italia.
Being a Portuguese team, did Amorim and striker Goncalo Ramos give any tips on how to face Benfica?
“We talked a bit about that. It is a difficult game, we must do what we prepared in training, and we are ready for this match.”
Amorim is a very different coach to predecessor Max Allegri, so has Bartesaghi’s wide role changed much this season?
“It is more or less similar, I am asked to be more present inside the penalty area when going forward, but it’s largely the same role.”
Benfica have never beaten Milan in European competition, managing two draws and four defeats, including the 1963 and 1990 European Cup Finals.
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