The UEFA Champions League is heating up, and on January 29, 2025, all eyes will turn to Stadion Maksimir as Dinamo Zagreb vs Milan brings excitement, tension, and high stakes to the field. With both teams experiencing contrasting fortunes in recent matches, this game is shaping up to be a pivotal encounter in the group stage. Here, we’ll break down the key aspects of this much-anticipated clash including a match preview, predictions, lineups, and the latest team news.
Match Preview
The meeting between Dinamo Zagreb vs Milan is more than just another group-stage match. For Milan, victory would secure their place in the Champions League top eight and underline their impressive European comeback under new coach Sergio Conceição. Coming off a five-match winning streak in the competition, the Italian giants head into this clash with confidence.
On the other side, Dinamo Zagreb faces an uphill battle. Currently placed 26th in the standings with just eight points, the Croatian side must secure a win and hope for favorable results elsewhere to keep their playoff hopes alive. Under new coach Fabio Cannavaro, they’ll be eager to bounce back after a rocky start to his tenure and a series of poor results in Europe.
Given the stakes, expect an intense battle between a Milan side looking to cement their dominance and a Dinamo Zagreb team with nothing to lose.
Predictions
When it comes to Dinamo Zagreb vs Milan, history favors the Rossoneri. Milan has won all six of their prior encounters, outscoring Dinamo Zagreb 17-3 in these fixtures. However, anything can happen in football, and Dinamo will rely on their home advantage and fan support to create an upset.
That said, Milan’s firepower, led by Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic, gives them the edge on paper. Recent form suggests a close game and our prediction leans toward a 2-1 victory for Milan.
Predicted Lineups
Both teams are dealing with injuries and suspensions, which could strongly influence their tactical setup. Here’s a look at the probable starting XIs for Dinamo Zagreb vs Milan:
Dinamo Zagreb (4-5-1)
- Goalkeeper: Nevistić
- Defenders: Ristovski, Torrente, Bernauer, Mmaee
- Midfielders: Pierre-Gabriel, Ademi, Baturina, Stojković, Pjaca
- Forward: Kulenovic
AC Milan (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Maignan
- Defenders: Terracciano, Tomori, Pavlovic, Hernández
- Midfielders: Bennacer, Fofana
- Attacking Midfielders: Pulisic, Reijnders, Leão
- Forward: Morata
Injury Updates and Team News
Dinamo Zagreb
Dinamo has been hit with a string of setbacks. Bruno Petkovic and Petar Sucic remain sidelined due to injuries, while Lukas Kačavenda faces suspension. Additionally, newly signed Wilfried Kanga is ineligible for this match. The team will rely heavily on Kulenovic, their top scorer, who ended his drought in their recent win over Istra 1961.
AC Milan
Milan isn’t without their challenges, either. Long-term absentees Alessandro Florenzi and Ruben Loftus-Cheek remain unavailable, while Emerson Royal, Malick Thiaw, and Noah Okafor will also miss the match. Furthermore, right-back Davide Calabria is suspended, paving the way for Filippo Terracciano to step in. With depth and quality in their squad, Milan will still feel confident heading into the match.
Key Details in a Table
For a quick glance at the upcoming showdown, here’s a summary of key match details for Dinamo Zagreb vs Milan:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | January 29, 2025 |
| Kickoff Time | 8:00 PM (UK Time) |
| Venue | Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb |
| Competition | UEFA Champions League |
| Dinamo Zagreb Form | D-W-L (last 3 games) |
| Milan Form | W-W-W (last 3 games) |
| Predicted Outcome | Dinamo Zagreb 1-2 Milan |
Final Thoughts
The clash between Dinamo Zagreb vs Milan offers an intriguing mix of desperate ambition and fine-tuned momentum. Dinamo Zagreb will be fighting for survival in Europe, while AC Milan aims to cement their rising dominance. With star players like Leão and Pulisic firing on all cylinders, Milan appears to be the stronger side. But will home support and Cannavaro’s tactical tweaks push Dinamo toward a surprise result?
This engaging encounter promises an electrifying display of football, where every goal and decision will carry immense weight toward the teams’ progress in the Champions League.