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AC Milan return to San Siro for their first home match of the season tonight, taking on newly-promoted Venezia. For some it will be a case of being ‘back home’, but this will be a first time for several new figures who have joined the Rossoneri over the summer. It will be the first time for the ‘new’ management of Gerry Cardinale (who will be at the stadium) led by Ruben Amorim. Read SempreMilan ad-free and get access to exclusive news. Click here for a free trial! The most recent images at San Siro were the disastrous final match against Cagliari, which sealed a failure to qualify for the Champions League with a 2-1 defeat after a late-season collapse. Since then, a shake-up has taken place that makes the club almost recognisable. There will be 74,000 spectators in the stands, ready to welcome the new signings Goncalo Ramos, Mario Gila, Sankhoun Diawara and Diego Moreira. For the occasion, the Curva Sud are also expected to pay tribute to Franco Baresi, while a club-led pre-match initiative is planned. In a video posted by the club on social media, the players shared their emotions ahead of their season opener in front of the home fans. Matteo Gabbia: “We can’t wait for Friday. It’s a special feeling to be back in front of our fans and playing in our stadium.” Diego Moreira: “I’ve already spoken to my team-mates. They told me it’ll be incredible, but I think you have to wait until you’re there to feel it. The fans are very passionate, and I can’t wait to play.” Mario Gila: “It will definitely be a very emotional moment. You’ll be playing for the team where all the important things at San Siro were done.” Alexis Saelemaekers: “There are many things I missed about San Siro. If I had to choose one, it would be the atmosphere and the fans.” Adrien Rabiot: “I can’t wait to feel the atmosphere in the stadium.” View this post on Instagram