CM: ‘So many doubts’ – Milan’s summer business questioned as signings struggle

AC Milan failed to beat either Genoa or Fiorentina over the past few days, leading to questions about the squad composition again.

As Calciomercato.com recall, going 18 unbeaten in the league is the sign that Milan are building something significant. Managing to come back in games that were almost lost in the final minutes is a clear sign of how the Rossoneri have radically changed, especially in their mentality.

Massimiliano Allegri reminded everyone at the end of the match that Milan are 34-36 points away from reaching the main target: a Champions League spot. Asking for more seems anachronistic, considering the difficulties of a squad that is certainly less deep than its rivals.

However, Milan were very active in the summer as they streamlined the squad hugely and welcomed a lot of players that should be making a clear difference. For three above all, this is yet to be the case.

Estupinan struggles

Taking over Theo Hernandez’s legacy wouldn’t be easy for anyone, but it can’t be used as an excuse for Pervis Estupinan, who seems to be getting worse with each performance.

After a strong start, especially with his performance in the win at the Bluenergy Stadium against Udinese, the Ecuadorian full-back has made a series of mistakes that could have cost Milan dearly.

The sending off against Napoli, his error in Parma and now a disastrous performance against Fiorentina suggest he isn’t worth the €18m investment made this summer. It also highlights the difficulties of a department where Saelemaekers and Bartesaghi lack adequate replacements.

Ricci unconvincing

A move from Torino to Milan does not automatically mean hitting the ground running, as even Tonali had to overcome a difficult initial period in the transition from a club with different ambitions to the Rossoneri.

Samuele Ricci is struggling to assert himself in the midfield, sometimes seeming trapped by a fear of making mistakes that forces him to hesitate on the ball or hide when he is not in possession.

The potential is there, as is the mentality to improve, but doubts about his signing haven’t been dispelled. He’s more of a deep-lying player than a mezzala, but the issue is that’s where Luka Modric and Ardon Jashari want to play too.

Jashari timid

The same argument made for Ricci can also be made for Ardon Jashari, who has more excuses than his Italian counterpart. He has played little so far due to an injury that sidelined him for four months.

But the question many are asking is this: did it make sense to spend €40m on another Modric replacement? The doubt is even more pressing considering that Milan are notoriously a club that pays close attention to player investment.

Encouraging signs are coming from Nkunku, who gifted Allegri a crucial point by regaining Comuzzo’s early lead, without forgetting that for the first five months he really struggled.

This is why the Tuscan coach is perhaps right when he points out that this team has undergone 55% changes and that the squad isn’t yet Scudetto-worthy when compared to those of Inter and Napoli.