Both the contesting teams have the experience of European glory but the continental journey for one will come to an end at San Siro.
AC Milan play host to FK Crvena Zvezda on Thursday for the decisive second leg of the Europa League Round of 32 tie.
The two former European champions could not be separated in the drama-filled first leg which had two penalties, a sending-off, and an own goal.
Milan, though, have an advantage as they were able to grab two crucial away goals at the Rajko Mitic Stadium.
Radovan Pankov put the ball into his own net before his teammate Guelor Kanga leveled the scoreline in the reverse fixture in Belgrade. Theo Hernandez restored his side’s lead but Milan Pavkov struck late to ensure a share of the spoils as the match ended 2-2.
AC Milan vs FK Crvena Zvezda Form:
The Rossoneri started 2020-21 on a high note and were going strong until late in the first half of the season but their momentum has dropped since the turn of the year.
Stefano Pioli’s men once looked destined to win their first Scudetto in over a decade but currently sit second, four points behind rivals Inter Milan, in the Serie A standings.
Winless in their last two league games, they return to Europe on the back of a 3-0 defeat against their San Siro-sharing cousins.
Red Star, on the other hand, managed a 2-1 win last time out. By beating Spartak Subotica, they extended their unbeaten streak to an astonishing 23 matches across all competitions.
The Serbian SuperLiga outfit sit comfortably atop the league table with a six-point lead, having won 20 and drawn two of their 22 matches so far this season.
AC Milan vs FK Crvena Zvezda Head-to-head:
Twice have the two sides previously gone against each other in a UEFA competition with the Italian giants ending on top both times.
AC Milan vs FK Crvena Zvezda Team News:
Talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic is unavailable for the hosts and so is Mario Mandzukic. Ismael Bennacer and Daniel Maldini are also out injured.
Long-term absentee Aleksandar Katai misses out for the visitors and so does Strahinja Erakovic, who suffered an injury earlier this month.
Predicted Line-ups:
AC Milan: Donnarumma; Kalulu, Tomori, Romagnoli, Hernandez; Meite, Kessie; Castillejo, Krunic, Leao; Rebic
FK Crvena Zvezda: Borjan; Milunovic, Pankov, Degenek; Gobeljic, Kanga, Petrovic, Gajic; Ben Nabouhane, Ivanic; Pavkov
AC Milan vs FK Crvena Zvezda Latest Odds:
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