Ongoing renovations are the name of the game for AC Milan as the team familiarizes itself with New York City ahead of their match against Manchester City. Fans gathered yesterday at Legends Bar in Manhattan, the local fan club’s home, while today the iconic Yankee Stadium will center around the team amid high anticipation.
In a press conference, head coach Paulo Fonseca indicated a departure from previous tactics under Stefano Pioli. “We will defend differently than last season,” he said. “I don’t want to make comparisons, but it will change. We need to improve in this area if we want to win.” Milan is set to adopt a more conservative approach defensively, seeking to press high up the pitch to regain possession quickly, rather than employing a full-field man-to-man marking style seen in past years.
However, the attacking strategy looks to control the rhythm of the game with the ball. The matchup against Pep Guardiola’s City will serve as a significant test, as Guardiola’s teams are famously built on quick pressing and regaining possession. It will be challenging to deprive City of the ball and succeed against their pressure. A key detail to watch during the match will be the performance of the two central midfielders. In their first friendly against Rapid Vienna, they failed to venture beyond the defensive line—a contrast to Milan’s previous approaches under Pioli.
Another pressing topic for fans is the transfer market, where Milan has been clear: there’s no need to panic. The club made its intentions known in early July, identifying a primary striker, and is now continuing negotiations. Chief Executive Furlani affirmed, “We want to take our time this year. There is no rush until the end of August.”
Three key deals are at the forefront: Milan is waiting for final approval from Salzburg regarding Pavlovic, where the player’s eagerness gives Milan a strong advantage. The aim was to finalize a deal worth around €20 million over the weekend, but while discussions may take longer, the mood remains optimistic. In midfield, Youssouf Fofana is still the top target, though negotiations with Monaco are complicated, with a current asking price around €20 million. Nevertheless, Fofana’s preference is evidently to join Milan.
Similarly, Emerson Royal’s situation mirrors that of Fofana. Tottenham is reportedly unwilling to negotiate below €15 million, but discussions are ongoing, and signs point towards a potential transfer.
The less talked-about aspect, however, is the balance in the squad. With veterans Olivier Giroud and Simon Kjaer moving on, captain Davide Calabria is still working on a contract renewal amid his struggles. Thus, the team is searching for new leadership within the locker room. Three potential candidates stand out: Mike Maignan for his natural charisma, Fikayo Tomori showing leadership growth over the last season, and Alvaro Morata, the newest addition, who, although quiet, could become a key reference point for many teammates.
All eyes will be on August, where Morata will return on the 10th, just a week ahead of a crucial game against Torino. Expectations are high as Milan prepares to shape its identity for the upcoming season.