The Aviva Stadium in Dublin is set for a footballing spectacle as AC Milan take on Leeds United in a high-stakes pre-season friendly, marking a pivotal moment for both clubs as they gear up for their respective league campaigns. Scheduled for August 9, 2025, this clash is more than just a warm-up; it’s a final audition for squad hopefuls and a crucial test of tactical readiness for managers Massimiliano Allegri and Daniel Farke.
For AC Milan, anticipation is swirling around the debut of Ardon Jashari, the Swiss midfielder whose arrival was confirmed on August 6 after protracted negotiations. Jashari, who has already been training with the team, is expected to feature in the starting eleven, offering fans their first real look at the club’s newest engine-room addition. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Allegri is poised to grant Jashari his maiden minutes in the red and black, stating, “Jashari will be given his first start, and the expectation is high for what he can bring to the midfield dynamic.”
The predicted Milan starting XI, as reported by local media, reads: Terracciano; Magni, Gabbia, Pavlovic, Estupinan; Musah, Jashari, Sala; Chukwueze, Gimenez, and Okafor. It’s a mix of established names, rising stars, and fresh faces, with Emanuele Sala also tipped for his first pre-season start. Up front, the spotlight falls on Santiago Gimenez, who is set for his pre-season bow after an extended break following his Gold Cup exploits with Mexico. Allegri’s approach could see a full eleven change at halftime, but the starting lineup is expected to get a thorough test against a robust Leeds side.
Leeds United, meanwhile, arrive in Dublin riding a wave of pre-season optimism. Daniel Farke’s squad is unbeaten in four friendlies, having held Manchester United and Villarreal to draws, and dispatched Verl and Paderborn during their German tour. Despite a gloomy relegation forecast from Opta, Farke’s men have shown resilience and a growing chemistry, making this encounter with Milan an ideal final tune-up before their Premier League opener against Everton on August 18.
Leeds’ predicted XI consists of Melier, Schmidt, Rodon, Bijol, Gudmundsson; Ampadu, Longstaff, Stach; Gnonto, Piroe, and Aaronson. Notably, the Whites have had to navigate a few injury concerns—goalkeeper Lucas Perri is nursing a minor knock, Jayden Bogle is sidelined with a muscle strain, and Sebastiaan Bornauw remains unavailable. On the positive side, Dan James and Jack Harrison are set to return to the squad after missing the Villarreal match, providing a timely boost to Farke’s attacking options.
For Milan, the pre-season has been a mixed bag. Their tour of Asia and Oceania produced two wins and one loss, highlighted by a resounding 9-0 demolition of Perth Glory. The Rossoneri have also seen significant squad turnover, with the departures of Reijnders, Hernandez, Luka Jovic, Tammy Abraham, and Francesco Camarda, balanced by the arrivals of midfielders Samuele Ricci and the experienced Luka Modric. Modric, fresh from a decade at Real Madrid, brings a wealth of experience and composure to Milan’s midfield, complementing the youthful exuberance of Jashari and Ricci.
Yet, the biggest talking point among Milan supporters has been the absence of Christian Pulisic. The American winger, a fan favorite and key attacking outlet, sustained an ankle injury during a friendly against Liverpool in Hong Kong. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, “Pulisic is still not fully fit and is still suffering from discomfort in the ankle he sustained in the friendly against Liverpool in Hong Kong, which caused him to miss the Perth game.” MilanNews further reassured fans, stating, “Everything is preparatory for his return next week, when he should be ready to face Bari in the Coppa Italia.” As a result, Pulisic will sit out both the Leeds and Chelsea friendlies, with Allegri opting for caution and focusing on his recovery for competitive fixtures.
Without Pulisic, Allegri is expected to rely on Alexis Saelemaekers on the right flank, with Rafael Leao—still the subject of persistent transfer rumors—anchoring the left. Either Noah Okafor or Santiago Gimenez is likely to spearhead the attack, depending on match fitness and tactical considerations. The manager’s challenge is a delicate one: balancing the need for match sharpness with the imperative to avoid injuries, especially with the Serie A opener against Cremonese looming on August 23.
Leeds United, for their part, are looking to cap a productive pre-season with a statement performance against elite opposition. The additions made in the transfer window have bolstered their depth, particularly in midfield and defense, and Farke’s tactical tweaks are beginning to bear fruit. The match in Dublin represents not only a test of their progress but also a chance to build momentum and belief heading into a challenging Premier League campaign.
Kickoff is set for 7:00 am PT / 10:00 am ET, with DAZN providing live coverage for fans in the United States. The Aviva Stadium, renowned for its electric atmosphere, is expected to draw a passionate crowd, with both sets of supporters eager to assess their teams’ readiness for the season ahead.
As the action unfolds, all eyes will be on the new faces and returning stars. Can Jashari make an instant impact for Milan? Will Leeds’ unbeaten streak survive its sternest test yet? And how will both managers juggle squad rotation with the need for cohesion and confidence?
With just days remaining before the competitive fixtures begin—Milan face Bari in the Coppa Italia on August 17, while Leeds open their Premier League campaign against Everton on August 18—this friendly in Dublin is anything but meaningless. It’s a dress rehearsal, a proving ground, and, for some, a final opportunity to stake a claim for a starting spot.
As the teams take the field, the sense of anticipation is palpable. The stakes may be friendly, but the intensity promises to be anything but. With key players returning from injury, new signings eager to impress, and managers fine-tuning their tactical blueprints, the stage is set for a fascinating encounter. For fans on both sides, it’s a tantalizing glimpse of what the new season may hold.
With the final whistle yet to blow, both Milan and Leeds will be hoping to leave Dublin with more answers than questions—and a spring in their step as the real battles begin.
