AC Milan - Rennes predictions and free betting tips [15/02/2024]

On Thursday, 15 February, in the first match of the 1/16 final of the Europa League, "Milan" will welcome "Rennes" at their home ground. "Rossoneri" were knocked out of the Champions League at the end of the group stage, whereas the French handed the leadership of their quartet to "Villarreal".

Predicted Lineups

"Milan": Maignan; Florenzi, Gabbia, Hernandez, Jimenez; Reijnders, Adli; Pulisic, Loftus-Cheek, Leao; Giroud.
"Rennes": Mandanda; G. Doue, Seidu, Theate, Truffert; Bourigeaud, Matusiwa, Santamaria, D. Doue; Kalimuendo, Terrier.

Stadium

The duel is set at San Siro stadium in Milan.

Milan

Despite the hard-earned 8 points, Milan couldn't secure themselves a spot in the Champions League play-offs. Eventually, "Rossoneri" had to settle for a third-place finish in an exceptionally challenging group F. Having overcome Newcastle at St. James Park (1:2) in the final tour, Stefano Pioli's charges advanced to the 1/16 final of the Europa League, where they rank among the tournament's favourites. In Serie A, Milan is significantly trailing behind the leader Inter (8 points), but virtually guaranteed their place in the top four.

Lombards build confidence knowing that they haven't lost in their last 9 matches (7 wins and 2 draws). After a home victory over Bologna (2:2), Stripes beat Frosinone (2:3) and Napoli last weekend (1:0) - a goal from Theo Hernandez in the first half made all the difference. It's important to note that the team scored 20 goals in eight matches played in 2024, and on their field, lost just once in their last eight encounters in all competitions.

Rennes

In the Europa League's Group D, Rennes comfortably finished within the top two. The French squad were also contenders to lead the overall standings, but after a home loss to Villarreal in the final tour (2:3), the Reds and Blacks had to settle for an advance to the 1/16 finale. Domestically, the Bretons had a disappointing first half of the season, resulting in the dismissal of head coach Bruno Genesio in mid-November.

Under Julien Stephan, Rennes is a different outfit: in recent weeks, the guests have been in fine form and remain unbeaten in their last 9 matches across all competitions (7 wins and 2 draws). After a resounding 1:6 victory over Sochaux in the French Cup, Rennes narrowly beat Le Havre 0:1 last weekend, climbing to 7th place in Ligue 1 and renewing its fight for a European spot. Surprisingly, the Bretons have a five-match winning streak on the road in all competitions, conceding just four goals in the process. 

Head-to-head Matches

These teams have never faced each other in official matches.

Milan vs Rennes Match Prediction

Rennes not only scored in all of their last 16 Europa League matches but also won eight of their last 12 away games in European competitions. Milan, of course, is superior in class but all three of their recent victories were hard-fought, won by no more than a single goal. Considering this, I'm backing a Milan win by 1-2 goals.

Total Prediction

This pairing is one of the most evenly matched in the 1/16 final round, and both teams are likely to pace themselves with the return fixture in mind. I'm placing my bet on total goals under 3.

Corner Prediction

As hosts, Milan will assert its initiative and play as the dominant side, so I'm predicting a victory in corners for the Rossoneri with the handicap -1.5.

Yellow Cards Prediction

Neither team is notorious for excessive roughness on the field - I'm predicting a total for yellow cards under 3.5.

Score Prediction

I'm betting on an exact score of 1:0 in favour of Milan.