CM: Milan overcome hoodoo with Verona win – what is needed to challenge for the Scudetto

AC Milan finally brushed off their struggles beating bottom-half teams, but more is needed to prove they can win the Scudetto.

As Calciomercato.com recall, the defeat to Cremonese in round one and the draws with Pisa, Parma, and Sassuolo meant that there was talk of a ‘hoodoo’ involving the smaller teams. Sunday’s 3-0 win over Hellas Verona certainly eased some of those fears.

It was a performance that was exactly what was needed: a resounding victory, complete with a clean sheet, which swept away the doubts that had begun to arise about the Rossoneri after the home draw with Sassuolo and the Supercoppa Italiana loss to Napoli.

More needed

In games against rivals for the European spot, Milan are averaging over two points per game and are by far the best team in the league. The dropped points coming against teams much lower in the table has been holding them back.

The defeat against Cremonese raised eyebrows. Allegri and the management – along with the owners – worked hard to strengthen the squad (with the arrival of Rabiot above all) and from that moment on, a journey began that always has a precise destination: a return to the Champions League.

Photos: Marco Luzzani + Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images

The match against Verona must be a new beginning for Milan, who are called upon to approach these types of matches with the same focus, concentration and discipline they haven’t always shown. Some reinforcements for the squad wouldn’t hurt either.

A signing has already arrived at Milanello and is already warming up for his debut in Cagliari: Niclas Fullkrug. Milan were looking for a No.9 with certain characteristics, and Allegri was immediately satisfied. The German striker can play from January 2, but more additions might follow.

First of all, a central defender who can adapt both as a libero and as an outside centre-back. Koni De Winter responded well after his struggles, but another defender with some experience could help give a bit more depth and security.

Even though Milan have full faith in both Athekame and Estupinan, a replacement for Saelemaekers who can also alternate with Bartesaghi on the left could be useful to give some rest, especially to the Belgian, who appeared slightly more subdued than usual at San Siro against Verona.

A versatile, ‘Allegrian’ player could raise the bar from the stated objective of fourth place and a return to the Champions League to that still rarely-mentioned word: the Scudetto.