Bartesaghi: 'Milan have important players, they are ready against Benfica'

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.

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 28: Ruben Amorim, Head Coach of AC Milan, reacts during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Venezia FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on August 28, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) 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.

ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 12: Diego Moreira of AC Milan scores the team’s second goal during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on September 12, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images) 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 MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Jonathan David of Juventus is challenged by Davide Bartesaghi of AC Milan during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) “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.”

MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 28: Davide Bartesaghi of AC Milan gestures during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Hellas Verona FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) 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.