2 days ago
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Anyone wanting a quiet summer at AC Milan was not given that gift by the Rossoneri, as more than 40 moves were made.
It has been a hectic summer, and now, just like that, it is over. Milan have their squad for the next six months, or so. There are contrasting opinions on whether it was a success, and to truly decide this, perhaps we have to go back.
So, to May 26 we go, where Igli Tare was hired to take control of the Rossoneri’s sporting project, and after his arrival, Giorgio Furlani stated the following.
“We are delighted to welcome Igli Tare into the Rossoneri family. He is the right choice to start over from: his expertise, determination and strong values, combined with a solid knowledge of Italian football and an international vision, make him the ideal figure to contribute to the Club’s relaunch through the development of an ambitious sporting project.”
‘Start over’ and ‘relaunching’ is certainly what the Diavolo have tried to do and the business this summer proves as much.
Milan’s summer reviewed
So, this morning, with the madness of the mercato finally over for a little bit, Antonio Vitiello has taken stock of the window for MilanNews and whether it was a success.
“One of the most frenetic and chaotic transfer windows in recent years has come to a close. AC Milan has completely overhauled the team with 10 signings and 30 outgoings, including sales and failed buyouts.
“Three months of relentless work for Tare and Furlani, and now we can draw a definitive assessment. The team appears improved in some areas and weakened in others; overall, resources could have been better invested, especially in defence. But let’s take things one step at a time.
“Let’s start with the attack. In June, the club was looking for a Giroud-style striker, but he didn’t arrive. However, the famous late-market “opportunities” led the club to invest €40 million in Nkunku. The French striker, if healthy, can really make a difference, but he’s had physical problems over the last two years. Above all, he’s not a Giroud-style striker.
“That’s why, ultimately, the attacking lineup appears to be solid (Pulisic, Leao, Nkunku, and Gimenez) but poorly matched. The famous penalty-box striker Allegri favours hasn’t arrived.
“Let’s move on to the midfield. The best part. Modric and Rabiot are classy, quality players. They significantly raise the bar.
“Jashari and Ricci are excellent young players with room for improvement, while Loftus-Cheek and Fofana can bring physicality. Then there’s the all-rounder Saelemaekers. Milan has invested heavily in midfield, perhaps forgetting the other positions. Now they find themselves with plenty of space in the middle and a limited defence or on the flanks.
“Let’s move on to the weakest position. An experienced addition was needed, as Tare publicly announced before Lecce-Milan when he mentioned Akanji, but instead, only Odogu arrived, with just three Bundesliga appearances to his name.
“He’ll certainly be a promising player, but they needed an experienced player right away; Milan lacks a defensive midfielder. A player who can set up play. Furthermore, the full-backs don’t seem up to par.
“A special mention goes to Santiago Gimenez, whom they tried to sell at all costs. In the end, he didn’t give in to the pressure and held firm. Now that the transfer window is over, he can be more relaxed and try to earn Mr. Allegri’s trust.
“It’s up to the Tuscan coach to find the right key for this team to play. It won’t be easy to find the most appropriate formation; in fact, any tactical setup these days presents some uncertainties. But we’re sure that Allegri’s experience will be decisive this season.”
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