AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli is expected to name a strong starting XI for Sunday's pre-season contest with Real Madrid in California.

The Italian giants opened their preparations for the 2023-24 campaign with a 7-0 victory over Serie C side Lumezzane on Wednesday, but they will now make a huge step up in class.

Rafael Leao, who signed a new deal with Milan earlier this summer, is set to be involved from the start on Sunday, while Olivier Giroud is likely to be given the nod at the tip of the attack.

Christian Pulisic impressed on his debut on Wednesday, providing two assists, and he is again expected to start alongside former Chelsea teammate Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who also featured for the first time in the seven-goal success.

Pioli will want to make full use of his squad during the tour, with youngsters in the shape of Chaka Toure and Jan-Carlo Simic set to be given opportunities to impress.

Milan will be without the services of key midfielder Ismael Bennacer, though, with the 25-year-old currently on the sidelines recovering from a knee operation.

Meanwhile, Fode Ballo-Toure, Mattia Caldara, Marko Lazetic, Divock Origi and Ante Rebic have been left out of the squad and are free to leave San Siro this summer.

AC Milan possible starting lineup: Maignan; Calabria, Gabbia, Tomori, Florenzi; Loftus-Cheek, Pobega; Leao, Krunic, Pulisic; Giroud

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