As 2025 winds down, Serie A has turned into a genuine nail-biter. AC Milan, with veteran tactician Massimiliano Allegri back at the helm, is showing impressive consistency and sits second in the table. They're breathing down Roma's neck, trailing by just two points. Italy's winter looks set to be absolutely heated. An average of 2.08 points per match confirms the collective has hit championship form. And with the title race tightening every week, fans are tuning in more than ever to watch live matches and feel the intensity firsthand.
Tactical Overhaul: Concrete Defense:
The cornerstone of this success has been a shift in formation. Allegri switched the team to a 3-5-2 setup, which had an immediate impact on rear-guard solidity. Over 12 rounds, Milan has conceded only 9 goals; one of the strongest records in the league. The central defensive trio of Strahinja Pavlovic, Fikayo Tomori, and Matteo Gabbia operates almost flawlessly. Pavlovic and Gabbia have started all 12 matches, becoming indispensable elements of the system.
Key features of the updated defensive line:
- Davide Bartesaghi and Alexis Saelemaekers cover the entire flank, performing a massive amount of running work in a shuttle rhythm.
- Mike Maignan maintains high concentration, conceding on average less than a goal per game.
- Minimal rotation in the center of defense ensures excellent chemistry when creating an offside trap.
Midfield Paradoxes and Attacking Efficiency:
The most surprising aspect of this new Milan is the midfield. Here, 40-year-old Luka Modric runs the show. Age hasn't slowed the Croatian veteran down, he's appeared in all 12 rounds, dictating the pace whenever Milan attacks. Going forward, AC Milan's attack runs on two things: pace and players who can create magic out of nothing:
- Christian Pulisic is the main man putting balls in the net—5 goals in 8 appearances works out to better than one every two games.
- Rafael Leão isn't far behind with 4 goals, spending matches making defenders absolutely miserable every time he gets the ball wide.
- The bench depth is serious too, bring on game-changers like Christopher Nkunku or Santiago Gimenez, and suddenly tired defenses are dealing with fresh quality that can swing matches in minutes.
A look at the Tournament Distance:
The numbers show that Milan is winning through pragmatism. A goal difference of 18:9 doesn't look fantastic compared to Roma's 15:6, but it delivers results. A single defeat in 12 rounds suggests the team is extremely difficult to beat. Notably, Belgian Alexis Saelemaekers, who has fully converted into a wing-back, has emerged as a hidden goalscorer, finding the net twice already. This proves the variety of threats the Rossoneri possess.
If key performers avoid injuries over the long haul, the club has a genuine chance to overtake the Romans and bring the Scudetto back to the San Siro this season.
