The return of the newsletter (and AC Milan)!

The newsletter is back! This time around, it’s here to stay and with that in mind, it’s the perfect time to look at another rejuvenation in the shape of AC Milan.

It’s been nine months since we last sent out a newsletter. “Campioni d'Italia: Revisiting season predictions as Milan claim first Scudetto in eleven years”, the title was, and looking back it’s truly remarkable what the Rossoneri managed to do last season with their means.

Don’t worry, we certainly won’t wait nine months until the next newsletter after this one. In fact, in the coming weeks and months, we intend to bring you even more bonus content to the Substack beyond the newsletter itself. Bonus podcasts, in-depth analysis, transfer gossip, vlogs, you name it. And since you’re reading this, we thank you for subscribing to our Substack.

However, without further ado, let’s take a look at Milan’s rejuvenation with the three-man backline and what to expect until the end of the season. Down below, you will also find a summary of the latest and hottest news from the last week, with quite a lot to catch up on despite this being off-season for the mercato (if you want that straight away, scroll til the end!).

After seven games without a win, and a few games into the three-man backline experiment, Milan finally started to see some results. 1-0 for three consecutive games is certainly not much to brag about, but in the Rossoneri’s situation it’s quite impressive to bounce back with stability.

19 goals conceded in the first eight games of 2023, then zero in the last three ones. The numbers speak for themselves, really, but that is a remarkable turnaround for the defence. It’s obvious that Stefano Pioli will continue with the three-man backline, even if some are doubtful as to whether it’s our formation for the future or not.

In the middle of the season, with a top-four finish on the line, no one really cares about the future plans though. Getting the three points is all that matters and that needs to stay the motto for now. There’s also no denying, however, that there are many question marks regarding the future, including the position of Pioli himself.

From what has filtered in the last few weeks, evaluations will be made only at the end of the season. Gerry Cardinale is well aware of the situation and his meeting with Paolo Maldini helped clarify many things. Just as this is the argument on the corporate side, it’s also the same for the players.

Malick Thiaw, for example, even if he was always intended as a name for the future, has risen to the occasion in the three-man backline and he could be a regular starter come next season. Simon Kjaer isn’t getting any younger and especially if Milan were to continue with a three at the back, he would have a great chance.

In short, the last few weeks and the start of 2023 have been strange, to say the least. Many eyes have been opened, in a good way, and at least now the Rossoneri can look forward with confidence ahead of the remainder of the Serie A season and also their venture in the Champions League.

News bulletin

➤ The Primavera got their first win of 2023 in their most recent fixture, beating rock-bottom Cesena 3-0, but they remain in the relegation play-off race.

➤ Milan Women are on a great run having beaten Juventus away for the first time ever (2-1), qualified for the cup semi-final with a 2-1 aggregate victory over Fiorentina and most recently they defeated Pomigliano 1-0.

➤ The main links ahead of the summer window continue to be with a new centre-forward for the future. The list of names already consists of Marcus Thuram, Rasmus Hojlund, Folarin Balogun and Noah Okafor.

➤ The new stadium project continues to take twists and turns. The latest significant development is that another new site has emerged as a possibility, while an advisor on the project gave an update on the council's demands. Oh, and Milan could build alone.

➤ Stefano Pioli was crowned the winner of the Panchina d'Oro for 2021-22 after the Scudetto win, getting 33 out of the 46 votes cast by his fellow coaches. He is the fourth Rossoneri manager to win the award.

➤ Many have argued Milan have a weaker midfield this season, and some targets for that role are being mentioned. In Germany they believe Mahmoud Dahoud is a target, in Spain they think the Rossoneri lead the race for Houssem Aouar, while in Italy the likes of Lazar Samarzdic, Lewis Ferguson and Maurits Kjaergaard have been linked.

In case you missed it

Make sure to check out our tactical analysis pieces for the game against Tottenham and Monza. Also, Milan will release their fourth kit in partnership with Koché tomorrow (Thursday) It’s available for pre-order right now, but beware that it’s only the authentic version and the replica will be released tomorrow.