MN: 2025-26 season begins in less than two weeks – the current state of Allegri’s Milan

It is now less than two weeks until AC Milan kick off their new season with a home game in the Coppa Italia against Bari, but where do the team stand?

As MilanNews recall, the curtain raiser comes on Sunday August 17th at 21:15 CEST as Milan will officially kick off their season with a game against the opponents from Serie B in the Coppa Italia round of 32.

Massimiliano Allegri has had the fixture his sights since his first press conference on the day of the training camp, on July 7th. It’s a match that will provide the first real answers on the state of the squad, even if the window will still be open.

Max’s hand

Let’s start with the big positive: Allegri. The coach has returned to the Rossoneri after 11 years, and he has done so with great enthusiasm, throwing himself fully into the adventure.

This has been felt in words, but also seen on the pitch, from the energy shown in training and the positive team spirit that many Rossoneri players have expressed in recent weeks. Max’s influence has already been seen on the field in terms of performances too.

The three friendlies played during the Asia-Pacific tour showcased – despite absences and physical challenges – a more compact and balanced team, focused on exploiting the key characteristics of their best players like Rafael Leao’s sheer power in the open field.

The next two matches – against Leeds and Chelsea next weekend – will be more indicative, but the path Allegri has taken seems to be the right one.

Photos by AC Milan

Incomplete squad

Milan have two clear gaps in the squad: one is the right-back position, and the other is centre-forward. The latter is perhaps not as urgent given that Santiago Gimenez is present, but his first training session will be on Tuesday August 5.

The Rossoneri are trying to sign Zachary Athekame from Young Boys to complete the defence. For the striker, however, there are still many names but no final agreement. The feeling is that negotiations will go right to the end of the window, perhaps a loan with option to buy deal.

Furthermore, it remains to be seen how the Ardon Jashari soap opera will conclude and whether – in the event that the midfielder does not arrive – Milan might turn to other objectives.