How can we build on an improved season in Serie A?
After a much-improved season in Serie A, we are all starting to look at how we can build and challenge for the title next season. It will be interesting to see whether the club carries on with this upward trajectory and sees a return to the glory days.
The impact of Euro 2020
All attention is currently on Euro 2020. The club’s coaching and scouting staff will be watching the matches and perhaps looking at potential signings. It will be interesting to know whether they were watching the Spain v Sweden game closely. The Swedes put in a hugely impressive defensive performance and members of their back four would improve a Milan defense that conceded over 40 league goals last season.
The Euro 2021 betting odds suggest that the Swedes are huge outsiders to win the tournament and will see progression to the quarterfinals as a success. Should they progress further in the competition, clubs and players might start to see transfer values skyrocket.
It would be interesting to see if A.C. Milan uses the profile and personality of a famous center-forward to entice exciting Swedish footballers into moving to the San Siro.
A long-term replacement for Zlatan
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is an icon of the game but, given his age, Stefano Pioli will want a long-term replacement that can lead the line for the foreseeable future. The experience of the Swedish veteran will still be considered important by the club. Some of his goals from last season show exactly how talented he remains.
No other Milan forward has more than 25 goals for the club. This fact might amplify the need for new players in this area of the pitch.
Should we promote players from the youth team?
It’s a joyous occasion when a player comes through the ranks to play for the first team. In terms of recent academy graduates, one of the most famous has been Gianluigi Donnarumma. The goalkeeper, who recently agreed to join PSG, played over 250 times for the club. His replacement is Mike Maignan, who has just won Ligue 1 in France with Lille. Amongst the current crop of youngsters, you’d have to look at Daniel Maldini. The son of the legendary Paolo Maldini, he has the club in his blood.
Many fans also have a high opinion of Matteo Gabbia. The young defender grew up as a Milanista and has been at the club since he was 12 years old. He will be hoping to make a breakthrough and become a regular for the first team next season.
Who’s excited for Champions League nights at the San Siro again?
A return to the Champions League will bring back memories of glorious European nights at the San Siro. The club last won the competition in 2007 and, in the upcoming season, most will see a run to the later stages as progress. Long term, we all have our hearts set on lifting the giant trophy once more. Who was in Athens to watch us overcome Liverpool and gain revenge after the heartbreak of two years earlier?
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