Ahead of the 2024/25 Serie A season, Xavier Jacobelli has made a prediction about who could challenge for the Scudetto and Champions League, whilst admitting that AC Milan could face a difficult battle.
If there was one word to describe the 2023/24 season for Milan, it would be difficult to find someone that replied with a positive word. The Rossoneri were humiliated in both Derby della Madonnina’s and failed to perform in both European competitions.
As a result, there is a great weight of expectation heading into this season after two fantastic seasons before the last. However, the weight of expectation could be lessened due to the understanding of it being Paulo Fonseca’s first season.
In the mercato, the Diavolo have recruited well, adding Alvaro Morata, Strahinja Pavlovic and Emerson Royal, and they have, today, made an improved bid to sign Youssouf Fofana, but whether Monaco will accept it remains to be seen.
Speaking on the window, and the teams as they stand, Jacobelli offered a season verdict when speaking to TMW Radio, and his words have been relayed by Milan News.
Which teams do you see in the top four in the Champions League zone?
“Right now there is only one team that stands out from the others and that is Inter. From second to fifth place is difficult, Milan are closing in on Fofana after Emerson Royal, Pavlovic and Morata. Roma is conducting an interesting campaign that must be followed to the end, I am curious to see if Dybala can stay or leave.
“Napoli are very interesting but must untie the knot Osimhen, Lukaku can still arrive but Conte is already pushing. Inter have renewed Lautaro until 2029, the new ownership is very solid, they have renewed the coach, resisted the market sirens and taken important players.
“Compared to the others, the defending champion team has a big advantage, it follows a proven script and has strengthened itself. For the other places we have to wait until the end of the market.”
