Bournemouth winger Marcus Tavernier believes their Europa League clash with AC Milan is "an unbelievable moment" for the club. 

The Cherries have enjoyed a strong start to their maiden European campaign, following up a 2-1 away win at Real Sociedad with a 3-0 home victory against Sturm Graz.

Bournemouth are now looking to become the first English side to win their first three matches in major European competition since Sunderland in the 1973-74 Cup Winners' Cup.

Standing in the way of a third consecutive European win for Marco Rose's side are Milan, who have won the Champions League seven times – the second-most of any team after Real Madrid (15).

Tavernier, who scored in Bournemouth's win over Sunderland last weekend, is relishing the chance to play against a European heavyweight such as Milan.

"For us, it's our job but at the same time, when we got the draw, we wanted to play these massive clubs who have had so much success in their own leagues and European competitions," said the 27-year-old.

AC Milan (H). Still feels a bit mad typing that. https://t.co/dWjhcKidCa

— AFC Bournemouth  (@afcbournemouth) October 21, 2026

"If you told us last season that, this season, we would be playing against Milan at home in the Europa League, I think we would have snapped your hand off for it.

"It's an unbelievable moment for Bournemouth in the way we want to proceed, to carry on going to be involved in these types of games and make Bournemouth a bigger club in the world."

Bournemouth will be the 12th different English team that Milan have faced in major European competition.

Milan's first game against each of the last six English clubs they have faced ended in draws, though one of those was the 3-3 draw with Liverpool in the 2005 Champions League final, which they lost on penalties.

Rossoneri head coach Ruben Amorim failed to beat Bournemouth in all three games as Manchester United boss (D2 L1), most recently a 4-4 draw in December 2025.