AC Milan vs Borussia Dortmund
The times are changing in Milan!
Sports betting fans would barely have believed it had you told them what seemed a totally implausible rumour would become a reality.
Yet, as the International Champions Cup welcomes them to Guangzhou, the betting odds on Milan having a successful 2017/18 have been slashed.
For that’s what a spending spree can do and is why AC Milan’s new Chinese owners have immediately endeared themselves to supporters, following their buy-out from Silvio Berlusconi which seems to have infused the club with cash.
The prized capture of Leonardo Bonucci – the man many considered to be Juventus’ leader and beating heart – has even prompted some to say it could lead to a shift in the balance of power in Serie A next season.
That is quite a statement given Juventus have won the last six Scudettos.
However, with Bonucci soon to be joined by Lucas Biglia from Lazio and a range of other new recruits, including exciting Portuguese striker Andre Silva, Bayer Leverkusen’s set-piece specialist Hakan Calhanoglu and Atalanta duo Franck Kessie and Andrea Conti already in place, there is certainly a renewed optimism surrounding the club.
Even teenage goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma – linked with a move away from the San Siro – has extended his contract until 2021, further boosting the feel-good factor.
However, to this observer, the new project doesn’t yet have a clear identity.
And of course, chances are a number of the new faces won’t figure in China.
So, after all I’ve written, I expect Borussia Dortmund, fresh from their German Cup success, to triumph.
Don’t read too much into the result though.
This is just the warm-up!
For the latest sports update, promotions and betting picks with SBOBET get social with our official Twitter, Google+, YouTube and Facebook accounts. Visit SBOBET and join us now. Start placing your bets today!
Click for more football betting options.