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Last weekend, AC Milan returned to the top of the Serie A table, this time, though, they were not alone. A first since October 2023.
There is tangible proof of Massimiliano Allegri’s impact on Milan available in several ways. However, the most clear is the table, where the Rossoneri sit as the lone leaders, for the first time since the start of October 2023.
The reasoning for that position on that day was Olivier Giroud, whose heroics in goal that day saw the Diavolo sit in a place of dominance. It has taken almost 750 days, but finally, the same can be said about this team.
Notably, there was a points difference then, with Stefano Pioli’s side sitting on 21 points, compared to the 16 acquired so far, albeit with a game in hand. Additionally, several changes have taken place on the touchline, but more importantly, on the pitch, as Gazzetta dello Sport writes.
Changes in 743 days
Despite Giroud’s involvement on that day, Mike Maignan was the goalkeeper, and remains it at least for now. Whilst he has dipped a little in recent years, he now seems to be back at his previous level, perhaps at the worst time for the Rossoneri.
Fikayo Tomori is the only other ‘survivor’ from the starting XI, again, the Englishman has been a little up and down. However, Allegri has revived the defender, and talks about a renewal are strengthening weekly.
Thiaw could have been another on the survivor list, but he was sold to Newcastle in the summer, with Matteo Gabbia now filling that spot, in some respects. Two very different players, with their own strengths and weaknesses. However, there is certainly a claim to be made that the latter is ‘perfect’ for the Italian.
On the left, it is a battle between Theo Hernandez and Strahinja Pavlovic. The latter has been magnificent this season, playing up a level from last season, boosted by renewed confidence in him. However, that question remains about whether the Frenchman had stayed…
Another opposite is Alessandro Florenzi and Zachary Athekame, both at different ends of their career. Both are similar, though, in many regards, given the abilities they have in different positions. It would be unfair to compare Yacine Adli to Luka Modric; the latter is one of the few players who cannot be compared to his peers easily, if at all.
Yunus Musah could have, potentially, been a part of this team, but he left this summer. Considering Youssouf Fofana’s traits, there is much to suggest that they could have played similar roles this season, but the Frenchman certainly has that something extra. The gift of Allegri, indeed.
Tijjani Reijnders and Samuele Ricci are very different. Whilst the Dutchman was judged by numbers often, the latter is on a different path, learning from Luka Modric and ready to play when called upon, in the future, who knows what it may look like.
Okafor and Bartesaghi are, perhaps, the most different comparison, given that one is a wing-back and the other a winger. Both seem to have different stories in the Rossoneri, too. Okafor, a substitute, and Bartesaghi, a player for the future.
Comparing Samuel Chukwueze and Alexis Saelemaekers is a bit difficult. The Nigerian never really clicked under three coaches, whereas the Belgian has caused two to desperately ask to keep him after pre-season performances. You can’t say no to Allegri’s pleas, though, and it is proving to be a good thing.
Finally, one that few people will have imagined could have become a reality, Rafael Leao and Luka Jovic: the centre forwards. The latter is an experienced option as a nine; the other is just finding his feet in a different central role.
Last time, Giroud was the focus of the headline. Against Fiorentina, it was Leao and the ability to cope without starters. Differences? Several. Milan? Top.
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