Newcastle United are back in the UEFA Champions League and have been drawn in a heavy-hitting group of Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan. Their first trip back in continental competition is in Italy. Preparing to pack your bags for Milan and see the Toon? Football Ground Guide gives you the lowdown here.
What is Milan like for away fans?
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Milan is a brilliant city for tourists in general, and travelling football fans. Expect an industrial city with moments of incredible architecture, good food and plenty of unique places to drink.
If you only have time to do a bit of sightseeing, make sure you see the city's cathedral, Duomo di Milano. It is one of the world's most remarkable buildings. The best way to see it is to take the Metro to the Duomo stop. The view walking out of the subway and being met with this incredible building is special. Just next to the cathedral is Milan's other famous building, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Check it out.
There's plenty more to see, but if you're short on time, that's the main recommendation, and head to the Navigili canal-heavy area for evening drinks.
What will the San Siro away section be like for Newcastle fans?
Most importantly, enjoy this historic ground. AC Milan and Inter Milan both plan to move away soon and so Newcastle fans will be some of the last lucky ones to watch their team play at the iconic arena.
Milan's fans will be loud and will no doubt have an impressive tifo display. It will be a special atmosphere.
There are a few downsides, though. Expect strict ID checks, only alcohol-free beer on sale and a long walk up to your section. Be sensible around Italian police. Expect a long hold back after full-time and be careful what you try to take inside. English fans will often have all sorts of items confiscated on European trips, including portable power banks for phones.
Where to watch football in Milan
If you're looking to watch a game on the night before or after Newcastle's game against AC Milan, Football Ground Guide can recommend 442 SPORTS PUB (Via Giulio Cesare Procaccini, 61). Decorated in football scarves from across the world, it shows sports all the time with a good atmosphere and decent food and drink on offer. Henry's Care (Viale Col di Lana, 4) is another good place.
How to get to San Siro
Assuming most Newcastle fans won't be driving to the ground, here's some guidance on using public transport to get to San Siro, which is a bit of a distance from the city centre.
Using the subway, take Line M5 (Linea Lilla) and travel to SAN SIRO STADIO stop. Alternatively, take Line M1 (Linea Rossa) and go to PIAZZALE LOTTO stop, a short walk from the ground.
You can also take several buses, listed here: bus 49 (Piazza Tirana-San Cristoforo), bus 78 (Bisceglie M1-Via Govone), bus 64 (Bonola-Lorenteggio), bus 80 (De Angeli-Quinto Romano), bus 98 (Famagosta M2-Piazzale Lotto M1M5).
On the tram, take line 16 (Monte Velino-San Siro) and you'll be dropped right outside the ground. Plus, on AC Milan match days, a shuttle service is available from Piazzale Lotto (MM1 stop – red) starting from two hours before kick-off.
San Siro stadium tour: How to visit the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza
Whether you've managed to get a ticket for the away section or not, when visiting a footballing city and stadium as historic as Milan and San Siro, it's worth doing a stadium tour.
The San Siro tour is available from 9:30am until 6:15pm on most days, although these times can change on match or event days.
The tour cost is €30 for adults and €23 for concessions. You can buy your ticket online and skip the queues, or visit the outdoor ticket office at the stadium's Gate 8.
Included in the tour is the stadium's museum which includes original memorabilia such as the pennant from the 1938 World Cup final between Italy and Hungary, tops from Italia 1970 and much more. You'll then get the chance to see the ‘behind the scenes' of San Siro, entering the dressing rooms of both AC Milan and Inter Milan, the press mix zone and the players' tunnel. The best bit, though, is getting to go pitch side at San Siro.
San Siro tickets: How to watch an AC Milan game
For Newcastle fans unable to get a ticket in the San Siro away section for their UEFA Champions League game against AC Milan, another option is to extend your stay by a couple of extra days to attend a Serie A league game at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
AC Milan play Hellas Verona on Saturday 23 September at 3pm local time (2pm UK time). Tickets are available to all customers and can be bought here on the official Milan website.
You'll need to register for a free account with Milan. Ticket prices for AC Milan vs Hellas Verona range from just €29 up to €189. Given the enormous 80,000 capacity of the ground, league fixtures like this rarely sell out and you'll have no trouble getting a ticket.
How to get AC Milan vs Newcastle United tickets
With huge demand, strict limitations are in place for Newcastle United fans hoping to attend this game. Only season ticket holders are eligible to apply, with those meeting the points requirement getting priority to buy the 3,516 tickets available.
Fans can try to purchase tickets in the home end online, but should be careful to avoid scammers and to act appropriately if attending as an away supporter in a home end.