Paulo Fonseca is emphasizing the importance of teamwork over individual brilliance, especially after AC Milan’s recent 2-2 draw against Torino. While the collective effort is crucial, a few strategic changes in the lineup could help address some of the team’s defensive vulnerabilities, which were evident in the season opener. The team has openly expressed its ambition for the Scudetto, but if they want to succeed, addressing these weaknesses is essential.
As Milan prepares for their upcoming match away to Parma on Saturday, changes to the defense could be on the horizon. Fonseca may consider incorporating two of the club’s summer signings: Emerson Royal on the right flank and Strahinja Pavlovic in central defense. Additionally, the return of Theo Hernandez from injury would strengthen the back four.
Emerson, who previously played for Tottenham, missed the Torino match due to paperwork issues that are expected to be resolved soon. He has been training consistently at Milanello and participated in several pre-season friendlies with Spurs, suggesting he is fit to compete for his position against Davide Calabria. Calabria struggled against Torino’s Lazaro and was partially responsible for the goals conceded, which opens the door for Emerson to step in and bring more physicality and strength to the right-back position. The club invested €15 million in him for a reason.
Pavlovic has already had a taste of playing at San Siro, albeit in a friendly against Monza. He was not in good enough condition to start against Torino, having trained alone at Salzburg before joining Milan and waiting for the team to return from their U.S. tour. However, an additional week of training may convince Fonseca to give him an opportunity in the starting eleven against Parma. Malick Thiaw, who partnered with Tomori in central defense, had a disappointing performance against Torino, even conceding an own goal, so a change may be necessary.
Pavlovic is eager to make his official debut for Milan, frequently sharing posts on social media about his new team. His aggressive playing style and strong left foot could benefit the team, particularly in comparison to Thiaw, who may need a break to recover from his recent mistakes.
The new signings bring fresh energy, but it’s clear that Milan must collectively improve defensively. Having a world-class left-back like Theo in place of a makeshift player such as Saelemaekers is a significant upgrade. Furthermore, Youssouf Fofana is poised to debut, expected to add solidity in midfield, enhancing the team’s pressing and ball recovery efforts.
Ultimately, a solid defense begins with contributions from the forwards and midfielders. If Parma manages to find weaknesses in Milan’s backline, they can rely on goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who has proven crucial in the past, making key saves against Torino. The struggles and injuries of last season now seem like a distant memory as Milan looks to build a strong defensive foundation this year.