AC Milan returned to the pinnacle of Serie A last term, claiming their first domestic title for some seven years, under new boss Massimiliano Allegri.
The former Cagliari tactician made the perfect start to life as head coach of the Rossoneri, however he will undoubtedly be looking to improve in Europe this time around, after failing to reach the quarter-finals with arguably the best attacking force in world football at his disposal.
Despite being eliminated by the English over-achievers Tottenham, the Rossoneri have made a number of key additions this summer, and are looking the favourites to challenge Barcelona as continental champions this season.
Here are the three reasons why:
1. Attacking class
As mentioned, Allegri’s attackers are up there with the very best going around. Despite the quintet failing to excel on a consistent basis last term, should the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Alexandre Pato, Robinho, Antonio Cassano and Filippo Inzaghi fire this season, they will undoubtedly be one of the most difficult sides to hold out.
Ibrahimovic, Robinho and Cassano are all in their second years with the club, and should be a lot more settled heading into the new campaign. Pato continues to excel for his country, most recently scoring a double for Brazil against Ecuador in the Copa America, whilst Pippo Inzaghi just keeps on keeping on.
If there is a club in world football going around, who possess a better group of attacking players (when at their best) than these five, then I’d like to hear all about it.
2. Fabulous Frenchman
In Philippe Mexes, the Rossoneri have secured one of the best defenders in the league, and to do it for free, was quite the coup. The fabulous Frenchman was one of the most consistent performers in the competition last term, until an injury-ravaged second half of the season brought his time at Roma to an abrupt halt – paving the way for a move north to Milan.
The partnership of Thiago Silva and Alessandro Nesta, when fit, was already touted as one of the best in Europe. Throw Mexes into the mix, and you have a trio who will certainly cause the world’s very best strikers a number of headaches along the way.
3. Strengths no longer weaknesses
Arguably the most important change to have taken place at the club over the past two years has been its successful adaptation to the styles of the modern game. Proven by their recent performances in the Champions League, Italian clubs can no longer rely on their slow, pass and move, defensive style game to succeed at the highest level. Under the youthful Allegri, Milan have turned away from this style, and look the team most likely to challenge the Catalans this time around.
In addition to the boss, significant changes have already been, or are in the process of being made on the pitch, with a number of key additions. Along with Mexes, Marseille’s Nigerian defender Taye Taiwo has been signed to add much needed cover on the left side of defence, whilst Marek Hamsik is very likely to add plenty of energy and creativity to the Rossoneri midfield, should he eventually join from Napoli. Liverpool’s Alberto Aquilani is another to have been linked, whilst the latest reports suggest that Milan may decide to move for Palermo ace Javier Pastore.
Irrespective of who they add to their squad from here on end, AC Milan are the deserved favourites for this season’s Scudetto, whilst they should be given every chance to challenge the very best in the upcoming edition of the UEFA Champions League.
Can AC Milan dethrone Barcelona as European champions?
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