Sunderland have been drawn against seven-time European champions AC Milan in the league phase of the UEFA Europa League, marking their return to European competition for the first time in more than five decades.
The draw, released by UEFA on Friday, will see the Black Cats travel to the San Siro as part of their eight league-phase fixtures.
Sunderland qualified for the Europa League after finishing seventh in the Premier League last season and are making their first European appearance since 1973.
Bournemouth will also face AC Milan in the league phase, but the Italian club will travel to England for that fixture. The Cherries, competing in Europe for the first time, have also been paired with Spanish side Real Sociedad.
Crystal Palace, last season’s UEFA Conference League winners, were handed a challenging draw that includes fixtures against Lyon, Real Sociedad and Besiktas.
The Europa League campaign marks Palace’s first appearance in the competition after being moved into the tournament following issues related to UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules.
Scottish champions Celtic are also in the Europa League after dropping out of the Champions League following their play-off defeat to LASK earlier this week.
All participating clubs will play eight matches during the Europa League league phase before the knockout rounds begin.
