From the depths of the San Siro, AC Milan has produced some of the strongest club football teams in the world that were capable of dominating opponents that boasted significant CVs of attacking players.
Even Real Madrid's famous Galacticos feared facing Paulo Maldini and Gennaro Gattuso in Northern Italy. However, the team's fall from grace has been nothing short of spectacular, with them not being a significant threat in the Champions League for the past decade.
AC Milan's decline has been further exacerbated by the fact that there are now questions about whether the team can legitimately challenge for the Scudetto. However, for the faithful of the Rossoneri, there is quiet confidence that good days will soon return to the club.
The most burning question on the minds of analysts, fans, and bettors alike is whether AC Milan can finish in the top 4 of Serie A in 2025.
Form going into the Serie A season:
Milan entered this Serie A campaign showing flashes of promise, but also the familiar vulnerability that frustrated supporters last year. Preseason suggested an attack capable of tearing through defenses, yet that was more than balanced by moments where defensive gaps looked alarmingly easy to exploit, for example in the match against Cremonese. Massimiliano allegri's side cannot afford another year of hot-and-cold performances.
The Rossoneri do well in some high-stake games, where fans enthusiasm fuels their best football. The real challenge is on the road, where points often slip away to clubs lower down the table. Those missed opportunities proved fatal in the top-four race last season. If Milan can turn away draws into wins, the margins tilt significantly in their favor.
For fans who track Serie A betting, it’s clear that Milan’s early autumn fixtures serve as a litmus test. A strong September and October run could snowball into momentum, while early missteps might give rivals like Inter, Juventus, and Napoli too much of a head start.
Squad depth: is it enough?
On paper, Milan’s starting XI looks competitive. Rafael Leão brings pace and unpredictability, Alexis Saelemaekers brings effort in attack and defence after positive loan spells at Bologna and Roma, and Christian Pulisic has quickly added creativity on the flank.
In Allegri's midfield, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Luka Modric inject physical, goals, assists and leadership which helps to soften the loss of Tijjani Reijnders who moved to Manchester City. At the back, Fikayo Tomori and Matteo Gabbia anchor the defense. The club also signed Koni De Winter as a strong reinforcement while Mike Maignan remains one of Europe’s most dependable keepers.
But scratch beneath the surface, and questions emerge. Can Santiago Gimenez, for example lead the attack and provide many goals? Will young players off the bench prove consistent enough to contribute when injuries inevitably arrive? The Rossoneri have quality, but not the same rotational strength as Inter, Napoli or Juventus. A few key injuries could derail the campaign.
If Allegri manages his squad wisely and squeezes production from the fringes, Milan has the pieces to last the distance. Without that balance, the lack of depth could become a glaring weakness during their Serie A journey.
Milan beyond the derby: Must-win fixtures
The Derby della Madonnina certainly grabs headlines, but Milan’s top-four prospects will also be defined by their results elsewhere. Matches against Atalanta, Lazio, and Fiorentina often serve as six-pointers; victories here boost Milan while simultaneously knocking down direct competitors. Allegri's team should no longer lose again to the likes of Cremonese, like what happened in the Serie A opener a few weeks ago.
In fact, matches against smaller sides and mid-table teams are critical fixtures for the Rossoneri's campaign. Last year, Milan’s inability to beat these sides with consistency (under Paulo Fonseca and Sergio Conceicao) cost them dearly. These games may not make headlines, but they quietly shape the standings. Champions League qualification is as much about professionalism in routine fixtures as it is about drama in the spotlight.
For bettors focused on the Serie A table, these so-called “ordinary” matches are where value often lies. Milan’s ability, or failure, to consistently punish lesser opposition is what could separate them from rivals who fight until the final matchday.
The derby's outsized importance:
Of course, the Milan Derby cannot be dismissed as just another match. It is the fixture that can define seasons, shape narratives, and galvanize fanbases, too. When Milan beat Inter, they don’t just win three points; they announce themselves as genuine contenders. When they lose, doubt creeps in, and momentum shifts across the city.
For bettors, the derby’s outcome is often a psychological pivot. A win can recalibrate Milan’s odds for the season, boosting confidence in their ability to handle pressure. In a tight top-four battle, the derby is more than pride; it’s a crucial turning point.
January: a transfer window to define the season:
If Milan wants to secure Champions League football, their January business must be sharp. Igli Tare may try to reinforce Allegri's defence with another central defender, despite signing Koni De Winter and David Odogu. Experienced is needed in that area. The attack can also be bolstered. It is true that Milan signed Christopher Nkunku, but he is not a true number nine that can rotate with Santiago Gimenez. If the contributions of the offensive department do not deliver positive results, then it is not excluded that Igli Tare and Geoffrey Moncada sign a new striker, perhaps a younger, mobile striker who can rotate into the lineup is essential. Without that reinforcement, fatigue looms as a serious risk.
The January transfer window isn’t about blockbuster signings; it’s about efficiency. Smart additions, whether permanent deals or short-term loans, could provide the edge AC Milan needs to hold off their rivals. In a season where margins will be razor-thin, this window might prove the difference between fourth place and fifth.
Consistency is key:
AC Milan’s quest for a top-four finish in Serie A rests on its ability to convert potential into consistency. Strong early form, depth management, and results in crucial fixtures, both marquee clashes like the derby and quieter mid-table matchups, will determine whether they succeed. The January transfer window looms as a pivotal moment, offering the chance to plug gaps before the final stretch.
They will need to win key matches against Atalanta, Lazio, and Fiorentina. Furthermore, they would also need to put in a strong performance against title contenders such as Juventus, and Napoli to stand a chance of challenging for the Scudetto.
It goes without saying that a victory against Inter will be non-negotiable. Key players will also need to step up with strong leadership, which is desperately needed.
