The first assessment of AC Milan’s season under Massimiliano Allegri inevitably starts with the defense. As noted by 'Corriere dello Sport' today, after years of fragility and uncertainty, the backline has returned to being a strength, thanks to Allegri’s work, which restored solidity to the defensive unit.
Milan have conceded nine goals in the first eleven matches, a figure that places Maignan among the least beaten goalkeepers in Serie A. This statistic reflects the progress of a unit that, at least in terms of personnel, is the same as last season’s disastrous one.
Tomori, Gabbia, and Pavlovic now form a reliable line, more compact and confident in reading the game. What has changed compared to last year are the alternatives. Malick Thiaw was sold to Newcastle for around €35 million, and in his place, two young defenders arrived: Koni De Winter for €20 million from Genoa and David Odogu from Wolfsburg for about €10 million. The first is carving out space and trust, despite some inevitable growing pains. Odogu is still adapting. His talent, however, does not cover a clear gap: the team lacks an experienced defender capable of leading the backline in the most difficult moments.
As the newspaper notes, Igli Tare had already identified the signing of a mature center-back as a priority to complete the defense by the end of August. The move did not materialize, but the topic will return in view of the winter transfer window. The name of Joe Gomez has resurfaced strongly, with the aim of reopening talks with the English defender born in 1997 to provide Allegri with a new addition to the backline, as pointed out by Pianeta Milan.
At the end of August, the deal seemed close, but it collapsed because the Reds did not purchase Marc Guehi. However, the opportunity could reopen in January. In the first three months of the season, the English center-back has played only 238 minutes across three competitions, with just two starts (both in the Carabao Cup). Gomez knows he could find much more playing time at Milan, given his tactical versatility. He is a center-back but can also play as a right-sided defender in a back three or as a right-back. Most importantly, his experience could make him the missing piece in Max Allegri’s defensive setup.
