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AC Milan’s new board will have to exercise some patience early in their reign. The Italian outfit have four wins and four losses so far in the Sജerie A, leaving them in tenth position with minus one goal differential. It is certainly not the start that was hoped for but it was not out of the realm of possibility.
The transfer activity during the summer, sparked by a▨ change in ownership, led to plenty of excitement and intrigue around the Rossoneri. AC brought in 10 new first-team players during the summer and a majority of those regularly sta🐟rt.
The lack of cohesion has been clear in the biggest games of the season so far, all of which have been losses. Sampdoria, Lazio, Roma and Inter have beaten Milan. The one positive from that is that only one of those games, against Roma, was at 🐷home.
We mentioned during the summer that Vincenzo Montella would be the most under🧸-pressure manager in Europe. The pressure on the hot🧜 seat has definitely been turned up to 100 after the late defeat in the Milan Derby.
Montella’s side came 🏅from behind twice to equalise, yet another mistake cost them what would have been a well-earned point. Part of the problem is that the Italian head coach is yet to settle on his best team and formation.
Injuries and lack of form have played a part in that but the manager has not helped his players. The key player, where form and leadership is concerned, is Leﷺonardo Bonucci. It was considered a huge coup for Milan when they stole arguably the best defender in the league fro🍸m the champions, Juventus. However, the new captain has disappointed so far.
While a period of acclimatisation is expected for any player, Bonucci’s quality suggested an immediate up𒆙grade would be on hand for Milan’s defense. Nonetheless, taking on the mantle of leader, without the likes of Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini beside him, has proven tough so far. He also hasn’t been helped by Montella’s formation tinke💃ring and having to line-up with different defensive partners.
For Montella, a settled side, with or without a plethora of newcomers, would perform better in the long run. Milan have a number of options inꦚ defense and midfield but it is in attack where the focus will be, come January.
Carlos Bacca is on loan and seemingly on his way out as he d💯oes not fit Montella’s style of play. A quality forward needs to be brought in to replace him as newcomers Andre Silva and Niko Kalinic have shared the load so fa☂r this season, but the duo only have two goals between them in the Serie A.
Silva is one for the future and a solid enough option but he is playing his first season in arguably the toughest competition for attackers in Europe. If Milan want to meet their goa🍸ls they need consistent quality leading the line.
Acc🀅ording to AC’s sporting director Massimiliano Mirabelli, who spoke to , Torino’s Andrea Belotti is still being considered as a target.
While the start to the season has been lukewarm it is n🀅ot time for the new owners to panic. If Milan continue to win the games they have both domestically and on the continent then the season should be a good one.
The Rossoneri are undefe🔴ated so far in the Europa League and should continue that trend to make into the knockout rounds. How far they progress from there is dependent on Montella working out all the kinks.
If Milan continue to win the games they have domesticallꦕy that should keep them within touching distance of the minimum goal, a return to the Champions League. One would expect that the quality of the likes of Bonucci and Lucas Biglia will help propel the club in the big games still to come.
Milan are now seven points away from a Champions League spot but that does not mean the axe should fall. Montella was given a vast upgrade in quality but, as with any other team in this situation, the new players will take so🍷me time to gel.
The board will be watching the team’s progress carefully and will be especially keen on the result of the next big game which i🍌s a home visit from Juventus.
At least Milan fans can be assured of one thing, if patience is not ꦆa concept for the new board then old favourite Carlo Ancelotti is available. Over to you Montella.