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While in previous seasons AC Milan have been guilty of wasting chances, the opposite seems to be true in 2025-26 so far.
As La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) recall, in 12 of their 17 league matches, Milan have found the net with their first shot on target, including Christian Pulisic’s tap-in in the derby after Yann Sommer’s errant save on Alexis Saelemaekers’ attempt.
Sometimes Milan struggle and start games slowly, but they seem able to absorb the pressure and strike at the first opportunity. Under Stefano Pioli and also last season too, the theme was creating and wasting chances.
A changed mentality
Allegri has given Milan a winning mentality, starting with a solid defence and then moving on to a solid attack. Here, too, the numbers clearly illustrate what has changed.
Christian Pulisic, for example, has become the most accurate shooter in Serie A: 22 shots, 17 on target, eight goals. But even Rafael Leao is as efficient as ever: 34 shots, 23 on target, six goals. No flashes of brilliance on the flank, but instead a consistency unknown until this season.
The starting point was to restore the team’s confidence, starting with the defensive phase. In nine league games, the Rossoneri have kept a clean sheet, and that is why scoring one goal in eight of the games was enough to win (1-0).
The difference from last season lies above all in knowing how to win in games where one goal either way is decisive. In 2024-25, the number of clean sheets was just one fewer at this stage and the goals conceded only four more, but Milan often lost in close matches.
All this translates today into 11 more points in the standings from the same number of matches. In short, Max’s touch hasn’t just brought greater tactical balance, but has also focused primarily on the mental aspect. Although the coach has also benefited greatly from a couple of impressive signings.
New leaders
We’re talking, of course, about Luka Modric and Adrien Rabiot. The Croatian is one of the most successful active players in the world, as well as a champion who stands the test of time.
At 40, he’s embraced the Rossoneri world with the humility of a young boy, putting himself completely at the service of the cause. He doesn’t just orchestrate with the ball, but also runs a lot and does defensive work.
Alongside him is an exceptional squire, Rabiot, who has yet to taste defeat in the league. The Frenchman has played a significant role in Milan’s run of 16 consecutive positive results, although the Rossoneri managed to maintain consistency even in the month Adrien was out injured.
Leaders are leaders because they inspire others beyond just in matches: their example in training or their presence in the dressing room is enough to make the difference. Having them on the pitch is always better.
One statistic in particular about the starting midfield is impressive: with Fofana and Rabiot starting alongside Modric from the start, the Rossoneri have earned 19 points out of 21, winning six games, drawing one, and conceding only one goal (a penalty against Napoli, in a game they won).
In short, the cynicism of Allegri’s Milan shouldn’t be seen solely in their ability to be lethal at the first opportunity, but also in their ability to manage energy, control the tempo, defend their lead, and withstand adversity. The comparison with Inter is intriguing, and we will see which is more sustainable.
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