Not only are AC Milan forced to play catchup from a financial standpoint against the richest clubs in Europe, but they are also obliged to replicate ‘modern football’ that involves maintaining possession and implementing a high press.
Thankfully, attempting to administer a certain style of play does not require monetary funds. While many may argue that Pep Guardiola’s philosophy is turning professional footballers into robots and has stripped away the flair element of the beautiful game – it has helped Italian football escape from its shell and embrace an attacking and entertaining model on the pitch.
For the first time in years, former manager Stefano Pioli created a visible identity that started with a solid foundation playing out from defence. During their incredible 27-match unbeaten run in the league after the Covid lockdown, at times, the fluid movement both on and off the ball was a joy to behold.
Yet, unfortunately, one of Milan’s biggest downfalls during the Pioli era was the inability to play out from the back against high-quality opposition in the big games. Constantly they were under siege and suffocated with no answers, especially in the Champions League.
Is Paulo Fonseca the man to change that? Despite three victories on the road in the States against Man City, Real Madrid, and Barcelona – even the most optimistic Rossoneri diehard can surely agree that results mean close to nothing for pre-season friendlies.
What matters, however, is embedding youth, how the team performs, and how well they can execute Fonseca’s game style despite minimal time on the training field.
