Whether Milan can fight for the title is still too early to say. But the fact that similar elements marked the start of the season compared to last year is clear:
In fact, a year ago, after the first matchday, Antonio Conte exploded in the press conference after Verona - Napoli 3-0 against the slow market moves of Napoli. De Laurentiis had to act and brought in Scott McTominay and Romelu Lukaku.
A year later, Massimiliano Allegri went to Casa Milan to voice concerns over the squad’s gaps and the change in formation. Result? A frantic final market week with active transfers which ended with Adrien Rabiot arriving as a key piece.
Winning coaches act like this, says Pietro Mazzara to Milan News. They have personality, they speak up, they assert themselves. Sport offers two paths: compete to win or compete hoping to win. There is a huge difference, and Allegri knows it.
AC Milan, after three consecutive wins, is growing in both play and fitness. The team is humble, aware that nine points do not reduce focus. Allegri and his staff work obsessively. These weeks are when a winning mentality is built, when a team knows it is at the start of a path but needs a clear direction. A prime example is when Allegri was visibly furious in the press box to prevent any drop in intensity after the 3-0 win and especially to avoid conceding: mission accomplished, but the journey is only starting.
Winning mentality is constant and fundamental for Allegri.
The ex Juventus coach and his staff know how to win, but it requires players who have tasted victory. Luka Modric and Adrien Rabiot are key in this, alongside Christian Pulisic, all holding the most important trophies in the Milan locker room.
Christian Pulisic delivers consistent performance and example. Modric and Rabiot occupy central roles at Milanello. Not through slogans, but through daily work, example, and support for teammates, helping them improve and encouraging them, as seen with Santiago Gimenez.
The formula for success seems constant: hungry young players, developing players eager to win, and experienced players whose presence and credibility communicate without words. This mirrors the foundations of the Stefano Pioli era with Simon Kjaer and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The sporting director also matters, reading field issues and filtering between Milanello and Casa Milan leadership.
