After finishing eighth in Serie A last season, their lowest league standing in over a decade, AC Milan find themselves at a critical juncture, and have made some serious moves to try and right the ship this summer.
The Rossoneri, a club synonymous with silverware and European glory, endured a 2024-25 campaign that fell far short of their lofty standards. The worst finish since their 10th-place result in 2014-15 has sparked soul-searching at the San Siro, with fans and management alike demanding a swift return to form. Milan are currently favoured to finish in the top four of Serie A, with odds from Irish bookmaker BoyleSports, bet365 , and Unibet reflecting confidence in Allegri’s revamped squad.
New season
As the new season looms, Milan have taken bold steps to rebuild, blending seasoned leadership with fresh talent, as well as bringing back a manager with a history of success. The question now is whether these changes will propel them back to Italy’s elite or if the road to redemption will prove more arduous than expected.
This summer, Milan have wasted no time in turning things round. The headline move was bringing back Massimiliano Allegri as head coach. Allegri’s return is significant, not just because of his past success with the club, but due to the six Serie A titles he’s collected during his managerial career. His first Milan stint ended with a Scudetto in 2010-11, and fans will be hoping he can recreate that winning spirit.
But the changes aren’t limited to the coaching staff. Milan have been active in the transfer market, aiming to inject fresh talent and experience throughout the squad. New arrivals include promising midfielders like Samuele Ricci and Ardon Jashari, as well as defender Pervis Estupiñán and right-back Zachary Athekame. Each signing seems carefully chosen to add depth and versatility.
Modric:
Perhaps the most talked-about addition, however, is the legendary Luka Modrić. At 40, the Croatian playmaker’s move from Real Madrid to Milan is a bold one, signalling a desire to continue competing at the highest level even as his career winds down. Modrić’s creativity, composure, and leadership could be exactly what Milan’s midfield has been missing. His arrival has already generated plenty of excitement among supporters and pundits alike.
Bookmakers seem to share this optimism. Still, Milan’s hopes won’t rest on Modrić alone. The team retains a core of talented players who can step up. Mike Maignan, one of Europe’s standout goalkeepers, remains a vital presence between the sticks. In defence, new additions like De Winter and Estupiñán join established figures such as Fikayo Tomori and Strahinja Pavlović, promising a stronger backline.
Midfield is arguably where Milan’s season will be won or lost. Alongside Modrić, the mix of new signings Ricci and Jashari, returning players Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Youssouf Fofana, Yunus Musah, and Christian Pulisic offers Allegri a flexible and dynamic midfield setup. Their blend of creativity and energy should help Milan control games more effectively than last season.
Up front, Rafael Leão remains Milan’s brightest star. Despite interest from Europe’s biggest clubs, the Portuguese winger stayed put, and his ability to terrorise defences with pace and skill will be crucial if Milan want to mount a serious title challenge.
Looking back at Allegri’s previous spell with Milan, expectations are understandably high. Between 2010 and 2014, he secured three top-four finishes and clinched the league title in his first season. If anyone can steer Milan back to those heights, it’s him.
However, the road won’t be easy. Napoli, the reigning Serie A champions, have Antonio Conte at the helm and will be eager to defend their crown. Inter Milan, Milan’s city rivals, will also be in the hunt, while Juventus, Roma, and Atalanta are sure to push hard for Champions League places. Currently, the bookmakers view Napoli, Inter, Juventus, Roma, and Milan as the frontrunners for the top four. Atalanta, despite losing their longtime coach Gian Piero Gasperini, remain in the mix but are seen more as outsiders.
Milan’s combination of seasoned veterans and promising young talent, under the tactical guidance of Allegri, gives them a strong foundation. The big question is whether they can quickly find the cohesion and consistency that eluded them last season.
For a club with Milan’s proud history and ambitions, anything less than Champions League qualification would be a disappointment. But if the early signs hold true, the Rossoneri could be ready to climb back among Italy’s elite, and perhaps surprise a few on their way.
