AC Milan has shown that it still has some old vulnerabilities, despite the arrival of a new era under coach Paulo Fonseca. In their recent match against Torino, Milan displayed predictable play, a shaky defense, and an underperforming star in Rafael Leao, who missed too many scoring opportunities. The club’s fresh approach needs immediate adjustments after their debut, as they work to redefine their style and effectiveness on the pitch.
A more dynamic midfield is in the pipeline, featuring new signings like Glenn Reijnders and Yunus Musah. Reijnders will take on the role of playmaker, while Musah is expected to tackle defensive duties. Notably, Reijnders was responsible for the assist that helped Noah Okafor equalize, indicating his potential impact. The shifts in strategy signal that last year’s playmakers are likely on their way out, with rumors suggesting that Ismaël Bennacer could be moving to a club in Saudi Arabia. Similarly, Yacine Adli was absent for the trip to Parma, hinting at a potential transfer for him as well.
In attack, Milan plans to adopt a more familiar setup. After initially starting with Samuel Chukwueze, Pulisic will return to the right flank, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek stepping back into a creative midfield role, providing support to the forwards. Leao will shift to the left side, pushing closer to the opponent’s goal, as Fonseca aims to maximize his contributions in terms of goals and assists. The coach has emphasized Leao’s importance to the team, declaring him “invaluable.”
On the defensive side, the team is set to address its fragility with the introduction of new center-back Pavlovic, who will make his starting debut. Last season, Milan conceded a staggering 69 goals, and they will face a tough test against Parma’s quick attackers. Pavlovic has prior experience against tough opposition in Italy, and he will need to bolster the back line significantly.
Overall, Milan will see several changes, including two defenders and a complete overhaul of the midfield. There are tactical shifts and up to seven new starters anticipated as the season unfolds. New signings like Fofana and Emerson could also feature soon, although they will initially start on the bench while adapting to the team’s style.
Fonseca acknowledged the ongoing transformation, stating that while the club has made significant improvements, they must continue evolving to compete at the highest levels. With a call for more aggression in their next match against Parma, the coach stressed that they cannot allow opponents to dominate possession and must maintain consistent pressure throughout the game. The next few weeks will be crucial as Milan strives to cement its newfound identity.