CELTIC vs AC MILAN: OFFICIAL SQUADS UNVEILED, WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THIS PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY

The stage is set for a thrilling pre-season encounter between Scottish giants Celtic and Italian powerhouse AC Milan at Celtic Park, with the Rossoneri's new-look squad looking to make a statement in their first test of the season.

The official line-ups have been announced, with both teams featuring a mix of youth and experience, and fans can't wait to see how the teams will shape up. The match promises to be an exciting clash of styles, with Celtic's strong squad, bolstered by key signings in the transfer window, looking to provide a stiff challenge to AC Milan's revamped side. The Bhoys will be looking to draw inspiration from their last meeting with the Italians, where they narrowly lost 1-0. AC Milan, meanwhile, will be seeking to kick-start their campaign with a winning start, as they begin their long journey towards the ultimate European prize.

For Celtic, the squad features a familiar mix of homegrown talent and top-class signings, with the likes of Jota, Oh Hyeon-gyu, and Moi Gómez all set to join the battle. Manager Brendan Rodgers will be hoping to get his team firing on all cylinders as they face off against a determined AC Milan side. With a reputation for aggressive and attacking football, the Italians will undoubtedly bring their A-game to Glasgow, pushing Celtic to the limits. Expect fireworks from both camps as the Celtic faithful get their first glimpse of the new-look squad in action.

AC Milan, under the watchful eye of Rafa Benitez, is known for its commitment to a 4-3-3 formation. Fans will be intrigued to see how the new signings gel with the team's existing players, particularly the highly-rated Samuele Ricci and the pacey Charles De Ketelaere. Ricci, who is being touted as a replacement for the outgoing Sandro Tonali, will be an intriguing watch as he seeks to justify his hefty price tag. The team's attacking prowess will be bolstered by the return of star man and top European league scorer, Alexis Saelemaekers, who returns to action after a productive loan spell at Lazio.

Coach Brendan Rodgers has a tough task on his hands as he sets his side up to face the AC Milan juggernaut. His key tactical decisions will be crucial, particularly in terms of who to pick out of his star-studded midfield trio. Celtic's attacking trio of Oh Hyeon-gyu, Jota, and Kyogo Furuhashi will face their sternest test yet as they face off against AC Milan's strong defense, marshaled by the experienced Alessandro Florenzi. Will the Bhoys' pace and precision be enough to unlock the AC Milan defense, or will the Italians' resilience and cohesion ultimately prove too much for the Scottish outfit?

With the European scene beckoning, AC Milan will be looking to build momentum ahead of the new season. A strong showing at Celtic Park will give manager Rafa Benitez and his squad the perfect foundation to build on. Expect to see the highly-rated Sandro Tonali make his competitive debut, and watch out for AC Milan's energetic and mercurial striker, Junior Messias, as he seeks to prove his doubters wrong.

Predictions are afoot, but the reality is that Celtic vs AC Milan is a toss-up. Both teams will have their strengths and weaknesses exposed, and it's anyone's game. What's clear is that one thing is for certain - this pre-season showdown will be a thrilling encounter that promises to deliver in abundance.