Milan vs Benfica: teams form analysis, possible lineups on September 16, 2026
In the 1st round of the Europa League main phase on September 16, 2026, Milan will face Benfica. The visitors will not simply surrender, even against an opponent of this calibre.
Milan vs Benfica team news and expert analysis
The San Siro giants settled for just the Super Cup two seasons ago after disappointing campaigns in the other competitions. As a result, Allegri returned to the coaching post in the summer of 2025. His new-old charges spent a long time in second place, but after a disastrous finish, they slipped to fifth. His successor, Ruben Amorim, began this season with a series of victories. However, against stronger opponents Juventus and Lazio, they managed only high-scoring draws.
The Lisbon club began last season by winning the Super Cup, while Mourinho took charge a year ago. In the Primeira Liga, however, they finished only third despite remaining unbeaten. The new coach, Marco Silva, began his domestic campaign with a draw against newcomers Academico de Viseu, but then went on to win. This included a 3-1 victory over Gil Vicente in the latest round.
In the Europa League, the Portuguese side began with a defeat to St. Gallen, but then progressed past both the Swiss side and Hearts. Against Aarhus, they won both matches 3-1. For the Italians, their European campaign begins only now.
Head to Head matches: Milan vs Benfica
The Italians won the European Cup final 1-0. They then met in 1995 and 2007, winning at home and drawing in Portugal.
The hosts are considered favourites, but not overwhelming ones. Given the visitors' current form, we are backing both teams to score (odds – 1.62).
Milan vs Benfica: key statistics and trends
- Milan have drawn two matches in a row
- Milan score an average of 1.75 goals and concede 1.0 goals per match
- 75% of Milan's matches have featured goals from both teams, with an average total of 2.75 goals per game
- Benfica have won four of their last five matches in the Europa League
- Benfica score an average of 3.5 goals and concede 0.67 goals per match
- 50% of Benfica's matches have featured goals from both teams, with an average total of 4.17 goals per game
Milan vs Benfica: Possible starting lineups
Milan play in a 1-3-4-2-1 formation (possible lineup): Maignan - Pavlovic, de Winter, Gila - Bartesaghi, Modric, Musah, Chukwueze - Cisse, Loftus-Cheek - Goncalo Ramos
Benfica play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Samuel Soares - Dahl, Lenglet, Tomas Araujo, Bah - Barrenechea, Barreiro - Prestianni, Sudakov, Silva - Pavlidis
Place your bet on the upcoming match and follow your team's progress in the Europa League standings.
