A new chapter is undeniably unfolding at AC Milan this summer. Following a disappointing season that saw the club finish eighth in Serie A and miss out on European qualification – a result met with understandable frustration from the fanbase – significant changes were deemed necessary. The club`s management, overseen by CEO Giorgio Furlani and RedBird advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic, together with newly appointed sporting director Igli Tare, moved to replace coach Paulo Fonseca. Their chosen man for the job is a familiar face: Massimiliano Allegri, returning for a second spell after a highly successful period between 2010 and 2014, which included winning a Scudetto. Allegri arrives fresh from his departure from Juventus and is tasked with the immediate challenge of restoring the Rossoneri to prominence. But what are the key storylines and player dynamics to watch as Allegri rebuilds at San Siro?
Allegri`s Tactical Philosophy Takes Center Stage
In his initial remarks upon returning, Allegri offered a clear, if seemingly basic, insight into his footballing philosophy. “In the last 20 years, there has only been one season where the best defence didn`t win the league,” he stated, referencing Maurizio Sarri`s Juventus. “A great team scores 60 to 80 goals, if you concede 40, you can`t get into the top four.” His conclusion? “When we have the ball, we have to attack well and score goals; when we don`t have it, we have to defend well and not concede goals.”
It might sound simple, perhaps insultingly so to modern tactical purists obsessed with complex pressing schemes and positional play, but Allegri`s point is fundamentally sound and highlights the defensive shortcomings that plagued AC Milan last season. His core belief is that defensive solidity is the bedrock of success. Expect AC Milan to prioritize organization and resilience without the ball. Furthermore, Allegri will look to maximize the output of his most gifted players, specifically mentioning Rafael Leao, who has struggled with consistency. “I`m sure Leao will have a great season,” Allegri commented. “I believe in him, I`m convinced… I think he`s more responsible.” Unlocking Leao`s full potential could be a significant step in Allegri`s first year back.
The Weight on Christian Pulisic`s Shoulders
As AC Milan embarks on this new era, considerable attention will remain on USMNT star Christian Pulisic. Entering his third season with the club, Pulisic has arguably been one of the team`s most consistent performers since arriving from Chelsea. While discussions regarding a new contract are reportedly ongoing, this season looms as potentially crucial, not least with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon in his home country. Allegri`s arrival could elevate Pulisic`s status further. The Italian coach is known for his tactical adaptability, often molding his system to fit his best players rather than rigidly adhering to a single structure. Pulisic`s versatility – comfortable as a right winger in a 4-3-3 or potentially in a more central attacking role behind the striker – makes him a valuable asset under a coach who prizes functional flexibility. Allegri`s challenge will be finding Pulisic`s optimal position to ensure he continues to perform at his peak, potentially becoming an even more pivotal figure alongside Leao in the attack.
Luka Modric: Experience and Leadership Arrive
The summer transfer window is just beginning to take shape, but one of the most intriguing potential arrivals, though not yet officially confirmed, is veteran midfielder Luka Modric on a free transfer from Real Madrid. AC Milan have already seen notable departures in Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City) and Theo Hernandez (Al-Hilal), along with loan returns for Joao Felix, Kyle Walker, and Tammy Abraham. The reported signing of Modric, alongside Samuele Ricci from Torino, signals a mix of experience and youthful potential.
Modric`s arrival echoes the impact Zlatan Ibrahimovic had when he returned in 2019-20, providing much-needed experience and a winning mentality to a young squad. While AC Milan`s focus this season is solely on Serie A, Modric`s presence will be invaluable, particularly for younger teammates like Ricci. Allegri can trust the Croatian legend in key moments, whether starting or coming off the bench. He is expected to serve as Allegri`s `arm and head` on the pitch, guiding the team through crucial periods, even if not featuring in every single minute.
Midfield Dynamics: Yunus Musah`s Uncertain Future
Conversely, the future of midfielder Yunus Musah at AC Milan appears increasingly uncertain. Sporting director Igli Tare was quite direct about the situation upon his unveiling. “I consider Musah an excellent player,” Tare stated, “but we are looking for profiles with characteristics that fit the project we have with coach Allegri. We are seeking deep-lying midfielders for a three-man midfield. Musah doesn`t have these characteristics.”
This assessment suggests Musah may not align with Allegri`s preferred midfield setup, which likely requires more defensively oriented or positional players in the engine room. Although talks with clubs like Napoli and West Ham are reported to have stalled, a departure before the transfer window closes seems probable. Of course, football can be unpredictable; Allegri has occasionally changed his mind about players after seeing them in training, as seen with Weston McKennie at Juventus. But as things stand, Musah looks set to move on in search of a role that better suits his profile.
The Crucial Striker Question
Another critical decision for AC Milan revolves around the center forward position. Santiago Gimenez, signed from Feyenoord in January, hasn`t fully convinced in his initial months, scoring six goals in 19 appearances. While he certainly deserves more time to adapt, the departures of Tammy Abraham and Luka Jovic mean the club needs further reinforcement upfront. This situation has led to speculation linking AC Milan with Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, who previously worked under Allegri and whose contract is reportedly set to expire in 2026. Vlahovic, with his proven Serie A pedigree, could provide the reliable goal threat and experience Allegri desires, potentially rotating with or complementing Gimenez.
A final decision on the main striker target is pending, but AC Milan fans can take some solace in the fact that the club is now led by a coach known for his pragmatic approach and clear understanding of what is required to compete in Italy. Allegri`s return signals a focus on structure, resilience, and getting the best out of key players, all aimed at turning the page on a difficult season and steering AC Milan back towards the top of Serie A.
Lennox Bray