Pre-season is underway! [Newsletter]
The pre-season is officially underway and the Raduno, the first training session, proved once again just how amazing the AC Milan fans are. Plenty turned up at Milanello and they got to see some new signings as well, but additional reinforcements are expected over the next few weeks.
The Raduno took place on Monday and it began with Stefano Pioli’s press conference, which you can read in full on our site, ending with a training session on the pitch. The latter also included the annual in-house friendly, which finished 2-2 after goals from Divock Origi (brace), Junior Messias and Ante Rebic.
We got to see Marco Sportiello, Luka Romero and Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the Milan colours for the first time. The Englishman got the assist for the first goal of the friendly and made a good impression, while Romero scored a nice goal in the warm-up which the fans appreciated. Sportiello, meanwhile, looked solid between the sticks.
A few players from the Primavera, such as Hugo Cuenca, took part in the training session as Milan still don’t have a full squad. Several players have left and only three have arrived (not including the returning loanees) and CEO Giorgio Furlani made it clear that they are indeed focused on the mercato.
Just this morning, Christian Pulisic landed in Milano and he will sign the contract with Milan later today. There’s no doubt that the American has great talent but it remains to be seen if he can return to his great heights with the Rossoneri. At the very least, he knows he will get the playing time needed to do so.
With all of this in mind, dare one say that there is actually some optimism ahead of what could be a very interesting season. The situation, and especially the optics, weren’t great just three weeks ago but the new management didn’t let that stop them, continuing their methodical work. Depending on the outcome of the mercato, the pressure will then be on Pioli.
News bulletin
➤ Ruben Loftus-Cheek did his first press conference as a Milan player on Tuesday. He spoke about why he chose to make the move, his favourite position and also revealed a club icon he looks up to.
➤ The next target on the list is Tijjani Reijnders. The latest bid launched is worth €25m and the player has missed each preseason game for AZ Alkmaar so far, suggesting both sides are confident it will get worked out.
➤ Milan are continuing to push ahead with their new stadium project. San Donato seems to be the chosen area, with plans being formalised for a 'red and black citadel' to open by 2028 or 2029 at the latest.
➤ Regarding the formation that Milan will play next season, the latest news is that Stefano Pioli wants his side to be able to play both a 4-2-3-1 and a 4-3-3 depending on the situation and opponent. Here's how both line-ups could look.
➤ In our latest Devil's Advocate column, we wrote at length about how a watershed season is approaching for Pioli after a mixed 2022-23 campaign. With more power comes more responsibility, and with that more pressure too.
➤ Luka Romero was one of the players watched closely by fans at the raduno. We have published an analysis of his playing style including his strengths and areas to improve, while we did the same for Loftus-Cheek too.
In case you missed it
Make sure to check out the latest podcast episode, and our latest bonus podcast in which the lads discuss the fixture list for 2023-24. You can also read our latest bonus article, talking about the sale of Sandro Tonali and the overall finances of Milan with financial expert Felice Raimondo. Are you interested in a paid subscription? Read all about it here.