NafisaCeltic’s summer preparations are beginning to take shape, with attention steadily shifting from domestic celebrations to a busy pre-season schedule that will test Martin O’Neill’s squad ahead of the new campaign.
Behind the scenes at Parkhead, planning has been ongoing for several weeks as the club look to fine-tune fitness levels, integrate new arrivals, and re-establish rhythm before competitive football returns.
Pre-season tours and high-profile friendlies are often used not just for match sharpness, but also as a way of measuring where the squad stands against elite European opposition.
Supporters, meanwhile, are always quick to circle these fixtures on the calendar, especially when they involve historic opponents from continental football.
These games tend to carry a different atmosphere, even if the stakes are not competitive, as they offer a glimpse of how the team may perform under pressure later in the season.
And now, one of those standout summer fixtures has officially been confirmed.
Celtic will host AC Milan in a pre-season friendly next month, the club has announced.
The Italian giants will travel to Scotland to take on the Scottish Premiership champions on July 25, with kick-off scheduled for 3 pm on Saturday afternoon.
At the time of writing, neither club currently has a permanent manager in place, despite ongoing speculation that Martin O’Neill has already agreed terms on a one-year return to Celtic Park.
On the Italian side, Milan have also been going through a period of transition after parting company with Massimiliano Allegri at the end of last season. The Rossoneri are now believed to be exploring options, with former Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner among those reportedly under consideration for the vacant role.
For Celtic, the announcement represents another opportunity to measure themselves against one of Europe’s most recognisable football institutions.
These two clubs share a rich history in continental competition, with meetings that were once a regular feature of European football, particularly during Champions League campaigns.
This upcoming encounter will be the first between Celtic and AC Milan in almost six years, with their last meeting taking place behind closed doors at the San Siro during the 2020/21 season.
On that occasion, Celtic made a bright start, racing into a 2-0 lead, but eventually fell to a 4-2 defeat as the Italian side mounted a strong comeback. Earlier that same European campaign, Milan had also secured a 3-1 victory at Celtic Park.
However, perhaps the most iconic clash between the two sides remains the unforgettable 2007 Champions League group stage encounter in Glasgow.
On a dramatic night at Celtic Park, Scott McDonald etched his name into club folklore with a late winner, sealing a famous 2-1 victory and sparking scenes of jubilation among the home support.
That result is still remembered fondly by supporters to this day, underlining the special history that exists between the two clubs.
Now, as confirmed, Celtic and AC Milan will renew that connection once again this summer.
The fixture adds another high-profile test to Celtic’s pre-season schedule, with both sides expected to use the match as part of their preparations for the 2026/27 campaign.
With transfer activity still ongoing and squad adjustments likely on both sides, the game also provides an early opportunity for new and returning players to stake their claim ahead of the new season.
Nafisa
