League Leaders
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AC Milan is one of the most iconic football clubs globally, but the past decade has seen a dip in their renowned success. Once a dominant force in European football during the late 1980s and early 1990s under famous managers like Arrigo Sacchi and Fabio Capello, AC Milan secured back-to-back European Cup titles in 1989, with only Real Madrid surpassing their achievements in Europe.
With a robust Italian defense anchored by legends like Paolo Maldini, Franco Baresi, and Alessandro Costacurta, AC Milan also boasted exceptional Dutch players including Ruud Gullit, Marco van Basten, and Frank Rijkaard. Under Capello, they clinched three consecutive Serie A titles from 1992 to 1994; however, they have secured only one Scudetto in the last 14 years. Massimiliano Allegri, who previously led the team to the title in 2011, has returned to the San Siro this summer, tasked with reversing the club’s downward trend. While AC Milan has made a promising start this season, can Allegri revive this once great club?
Allegri’s Influence at AC Milan
As AC Milan embarks on a new season, it is crucial to maintain realistic expectations despite their favorable positioning in Serie A. The team’s first major challenge came against the reigning champions, where they managed a 2-1 victory at the San Siro, even playing with ten men for a portion of the match. Allegri is known for crafting teams that are hard to break down, with a clear focus on enhancing their defensive capabilities.
With five clean sheets out of seven matches and only three goals conceded, AC Milan has showcased impressive defensive strength so far this season. While only Roma have a better defensive record in the top five leagues, they have played fewer games. Allegri’s preferred formation of 3-5-2 features a backline with Fikayo Tomori, Strahinja Pavlović, and Matteo Gabbia as his central defenders. New signing Pervis Estupiñán has added solidity at left-wing back, demonstrating Allegri’s tactical versatility.
Assessing Title Chances
Serie A stands as one of the most fiercely contested leagues, with multiple clubs vying for the title this season. While Napoli and Inter Milan are viewed as favorites, AC Milan will benefit from not partaking in European competitions this year, a consequence of their disappointing eighth-place finish last season.
AC Milan’s squad is valued at €472m, making it the fourth most valuable in Serie A; however, this is significantly less than Inter Milan’s €708m. Despite this, the club has made strategic signings in midfield, welcoming experienced players like Adrien Rabiot and Luka Modrić, and showcasing the potential of Ardon Jashari. The arrival of Christopher Nkunku from Chelsea, who recently scored his first goal, has added to the intrigue surrounding the squad, especially with Rafael Leao’s return from injury imminent.
Summer Transfer Activity
While Italian clubs typically lag behind their English counterparts financially, AC Milan emerged as the biggest spender among Italian teams, investing €162m in new talent. Additionally, the club generated over €176.3m through player sales, ranking sixth among all clubs this summer. Given their recent financial struggles, maintaining stability through thoughtful transactions is critical for the club’s future.
Notable sales included Tijani Reijnders to Manchester City for €55m and Malick Thiaw to Newcastle United for €35m, allowing for reinvestment opportunities. AC Milan concluded the summer transfer window with a positive balance of €14.3m, the best among serious Serie A title contenders. Although they may lack the star power of previous eras, the hope is that Allegri’s astute management can provide the necessary foundation to regain competitive stature.
