GNK Dinamo vs AC Milan: Match Preview, Predictions & Lineups

Fixture: GNK Dinamo vs AC Milan

Date: Wednesday, 29 January 2025

Kick-off Time: 20:00 CET

Venue: Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb

Competition: UEFA Champions League, Matchday 8

AC Milan, with 15 points and already qualified for the knockout phase, travel to GNK Dinamo, who sit on 8 points but are without a win in their last three matches. The game presents an opportunity for Milan to secure top position in their group, while Dinamo will aim to end their league phase on a positive note. History is firmly on Milan's side, as they boast six wins in as many meetings against Dinamo.

• Previous Meetings: 6
• GNK Dinamo Wins: 0
• Milan Wins: 6
• Draws: 0
  

Milan 3-1 Dinamo (September 2022, UCL Group Stage)

• Olivier Giroud and Rafael Leão starred in Milan's dominant home victory.

Dinamo 0-4 Milan (October 2022, UCL Group Stage)

• A comprehensive win for Milan in Zagreb, with Giroud and Matteo Gabbia playing key roles.

Milan 3-1 Dinamo (September 1973, European Cup Winners’ Cup)

• A first-round tie that showcased Milan's historic dominance over the Croatian side.
  

• Last 5 Matches (All Competitions): W-L-W-L-D
• Most Recent Champions League Result: Arsenal 3-0 GNK Dinamo (UCL Matchday 7)
• Key Stat: Dinamo have won only two of their last five matches across all competitions and are winless in their last three UCL games.
  

• Last 5 Matches (All Competitions): W-W-L-W-D
• Most Recent Champions League Result: Milan 1-0 Girona (UCL Matchday 7)
• Key Stat: Milan are on a five-game winning streak in the UCL, having scored 12 goals in the excellent run. 
  

Formation: Likely 4-3-3 under Fabio Cannavaro.

Key Players:

• Bruno Petković: The forward has been Dinamo's key player in Europe, scoring twice this season, although he is a fitness doubt for this encounter.
• Martin Baturina: The creative midfielder will be instrumental in orchestrating attacks and retaining possession.
• Maxime Bernauer: A solid defensive presence tasked with containing Milan's potent attack.

Suspensions/Injuries:

• Lukas Kačavenda: Suspended.
• Several Key Players: Arijan Ademi, Martin Baturina, and Marko Rog are at risk of suspension with a booking.
• Petar Sucic: Ruled out due to Metatarsal fracture.
• Bruno Petkovic: Doubtful due to Adductor pain.
  

Formation: Likely 4-2-3-1 under Sérgio Conceição.

Key Players:

• Rafael Leão: Milan’s primary attacking threat, known for his pace and ability to exploit defensive gaps.
• Tijjani Reijnders: The Dutch midfielder has scored three goals in this season’s UCL, crucial in Milan's transitions.
• Mike Maignan: The French goalkeeper has been a reliable figure, making key saves throughout the competition.

Suspensions/Injuries:

• Davide Calabria: Suspended.
• Theo Hernández and Youssouf Fofana: Both at risk of suspension with a booking.
• Ruben Loftus-Cheek: Ruled out due to muscle injury.
• Malick Thiaw: Ruled out due to hamstring injury.
• Samuel Chukwueze: Ruled out due to a hamstring injury. 
• Emerson Royal: Ruled out due to calf injury. 
• Alessandro Florenzi: Ruled out due to cruciate ligament injury. 
  

Dinamo will likely focus on defensive solidity, aiming to frustrate Milan and capitalize on counterattacking opportunities. Bruno Petković will be their focal point in attack, supported by pacey wide players like Dario Špikić. Midfielders Josip Mišić and Martin Baturina will be pivotal in disrupting Milan’s build-up play.

Milan are expected to dominate possession and deploy their wide players, especially Rafael Leão, to stretch Dinamo's defensive line. Tijjani Reijnders and Ismael Bennacer will look to control the midfield, while Fikayo Tomori and Matteo Gabbia will provide defensive stability to deal with Dinamo's counter-attacks.

GNK Dinamo 0-3 AC Milan

Milan's superior quality and form are likely to overwhelm Dinamo, continuing their dominance in this matchup.

Andriy Shevchenko, Milan's legendary striker, scored four goals across two legs against Dinamo in their 2000/01 UCL meetings.

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All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.