Last summer’s decision to maintain a small squad sparked much debate, but it reflects Massimiliano Allegri’s choices between a fixed starting lineup and few substitutions. The Tuscan coach found balance with a 3-5-2 system and has stuck to it, naming starters who were only changed for major reasons like injuries or suspensions.
In the first 13 Serie A games, Milan averages 3.5 substitutions per match (3 in the derby, the average of the last 7 rounds). This is much lower than other teams in the league, which do not drop below 4.5 substitutions on average. Expanding to the rest of Europe, Milan ranks third from the bottom in substitutions among the top 5 European leagues (42), ahead only of Everton (41) and Crystal Palace (35).
Explanation:
Milan makes the fewest substitutions in Serie A. What does this mean? "A small squad? Absolutely not. We missed Rabiot, Pulisic, and Estupinan in the past month. Sometimes substitutions are necessary, sometimes they aren’t, or they’re made for the sake of it and that’s not right. Substitutions should be made when needed; some matches don’t require any." Allegri explained this during the press conference before Milan-Lazio, justifying why Milan makes the fewest changes in the league.
Main Defense:
One of Allegri’s major achievements in his return to Milan is giving the team a strong identity with a three-man defense. Max revitalized Tomori and Pavlovic tactically and is guiding Gabbia to a level high enough to earn a call-up from coach Gattuso. De Winter, bought last summer for about €20 million from Genoa, is currently a reserve and has only played when Tomori had a knee problem, totaling 7 appearances and 345 minutes in Serie A plus 90 minutes in the Coppa Italia against Lecce. Koni, despite limited minutes, is considered an important player by the technical staff. Odogu’s case is different; he played only 11 minutes in Coppa Italia and has never appeared in Serie A. Allegri values his availability and attitude in training, but he will leave in January to gain valuable experience. Swiss right-back Akhetame has played little (108 minutes in Serie A, 29 in Coppa Italia) but scored the 93rd-minute equalizer against Pisa. He will remain in the squad but as Saelemaekers’ backup.
Renewal to Earn:
Jashari’s 16 minutes played must be seen in the context of his long injury that sidelined him since late August. He is expected to become a resource for Allegri, given the major investment last summer to sign him from Bruges (€36 million plus bonuses). Loftus-Cheek has had limited time despite Allegri’s strong technical approval: 363 minutes in Serie A with one goal in 10 appearances, and 156 minutes in Coppa Italia. The English midfielder must raise his performance and offer stronger physical guarantees to earn a contract renewal in 2027, as relayed via Calcio Mercato.
Milan's luxury Backup:
Nkunku arrived last summer with high expectations but has not yet found the right key to establish himself. Allegri encourages him publicly because he recognizes the Frenchman’s talent but still considers him a backup. A luxury backup, but a backup nonetheless, as reflected in the data: only 264 minutes in the league with one assist. Christopher has the experience and technical quality to overcome this status before it becomes permanent and affects his market value.
