We are entering a decisive period not just when it comes to AC Milan’s season, but also their plans away from the field.
The equation on the pitch is simple: Milan need at most six points from their remaining three games to clinch Champions League qualification. It was the minimum objective set for 2025-26 and it looked routine all season, until a recent run of two wins in seven have trimmed the gap to three points.
Read SempreMilan ad-free and get access to exclusive news. Click here for a free trial!
While the Rossoneri look to get the two wins against Atalanta, Genoa and/or Cagliari, off-field matters are also dominating the headlines. The planning for the next campaign is underway but with few certainties, amid talk of internal differences and potential revolutions at all levels.
As we wrote about in an exclusive on Wednesday, RedBird Capital have reached a sort of crossroads in their plans for Milan too. The ‘status quo’ they wish to keep is far from enough in the eyes of supporters, who expect more ambition as city rivals Inter continue to win.
To help cut through all of the noise surrounding the team at the moment, we spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Luca Bianchin. We asked him about a number of different topics linked to the present and future of a club that can never stay out of the headlines.
The Scudetto dream was born, then faded away. Champions League qualification looks likely, while Milan underperformed in other competitions. How do you judge this first year under Allegri?
“It ain’t over ’til it’s over, as Yogi Berra – as close to the Yankees as Gerry Cardinale – used to say. The company’s assessment of Allegri’s first year depends heavily, almost entirely, on achieving fourth place, the club’s major objective.
“The Champions League is ‘worth between €60 and €90 million in revenue for the club’, Milan CFO Stefano Cocirio just said. So, we’ll have to wait for the final three games to see if AC Milan will qualify for the top European tournament, as would be logical.
“Of course, some assessments can be made of Allegri’s first year. Match management and the atmosphere at Milanello have certainly improved, and communication has always been under control, even at the cost of repeating many concepts week after week.
“The second half of the season, however, is very worrying, conditioned by an offensive phase that has now become very poor: there have been steps backward, not improvements. Strengths and weaknesses, as can be seen.”
Speaking of Allegri, there has been speculation about his unhappiness, and potential exit. Is there any truth to this? And to your knowledge, what has Allegri asked the management for in order to strengthen the squad? Both in terms of positions and requirements (experience? More Italians?).
“Allegri certainly thinks Milan needs change to be competitive in both the league and the Champions League in 2026-27. ‘Four experienced players’ has been written several times, and I believe the phrase isn’t far from the truth.
“Max has certainly spoken to the club about a new starting centre-forward, a world-class midfielder (Goretzka would be perfect…), and a good central defender to complete the defensive rotations.
“Rabiot is a good example of what Allegri likes: a player accustomed to playing at an international level, physically impressive, and intelligent. The team will need to be expanded, with 2-3-4 more players than the current squad. As for a possible departure, I still think it’s unfair to answer now.
“Milan and Allegri will talk after they’ve achieved their objective of the Champions League, if they achieve it, and at that point they’ll understand if it’s right to move forward together. I think the chances of a stay are higher than those of a departure.”
At present, which operations are most advanced for Milan, if any? There are a lot of rumours about Mario Gila and Leon Goretzka…
“Milan have certainly spoken about Goretzka and Gila, and not just them. Furlani and Tare are aware of the two players’ demands and have spoken with Goretzka’s agents to gauge his approval.
“There is approval, even if the demands are certainly not low… I think the chances are higher for Goretzka at the moment, but the game is still open for both. For Gila, for example, Napoli, Inter, and Juventus have also inquired…”
The biggest signing Milan make will presumably be a striker. What profile does Allegri want and what are the names to look out for?
“The profile to give the private investigator is simple: a penalty-box striker with physical presence, obviously capable of scoring 15 league goals and with international experience.
“It’s best not to overlook the mental aspect: Milan is looking for players who improve the dressing room, not those who will cause problems for the coach and his teammates with bad behavior.
“Sorloth and Gonçalo Ramos are names to keep an eye on, but it’s best to be prepared: the market for No. 9s is complex, and we’re likely to see dramatic changes, names that suddenly appear on the scene and others that disappear day after day.”
How big has Luka Modric’s everyday impact been at Milan? Is he currently inclined to remain for another year?
“Modric has been important for AC Milan, very important. It’s about setting an example, more than grand speeches.
“Luka isn’t the leader who shouts at every training session to motivate the team, but his mere presence improves his team-mates’ approach. If Modric is just a few meters away from you, you can’t afford to make many mistakes. On the pitch, it was clear early on that Luka had the skill to play and make a difference in Italy, even at 40.
“More than the goals in Bologna and Pisa, I think it’s interesting to look at his management of the game’s tempo and defensive positioning, because there were several moments this season when Modric was more important defensively than offensively.
“Sure, he looked tired towards the end of the season, but AC Milan 2026-27, if Luka wants, will restart with him. I expect a decision in a few days.
Is there a chance that Allegri sees a further ‘evolution’ in this team tactically, perhaps to a 4-3-3?
“Allegri has played with three and four in his career, perhaps varying over the course of the same season, perhaps alternating between the two systems from game to game. I think he could do the same in 2026-27. In the meantime, we’ll have to figure out who will be the best.”
Which players have impressed you this season for the Rossoneri? And who should have their bags packed?
“Modric and Rabiot are clearly the best players of the season. Next up are Mike Maignan, finally back to his (high) level after two disappointing seasons, and Strahinja Pavlovic.
“As for the players who should leave Milanello, some names are obvious. It makes no sense for Ruben Loftus-Cheek to stay; change would benefit everyone. David Odogu needs to go and play. Pervis Estupinan was a failed attempt: better to try again with another left-back.
“In attack, one would want to change everything, but obviously that won’t be the case. It’s sad to see the evolution of the relationship between Leao and the Milan fans: he was the fans’ favorite player, now he’s understandably booed. Better to change, for everyone… assuming an offer arrives.”
2-3-4 more players? 4 MORE players and no less!!! Odogu, Estupinan, RLC, Leao and Gimenez (not to mention Fullkrug)- all of them must leave the club, there’s no room for debate!
There is always room for debate
Not this time…
Your going to need two 9s. Who can you get after you spend big money on your starter if you get rid of Gimenez most likely for a loss or little gain? Big mistake was getting rid of Tammy- a perfect backup. You think you’re going to get much money for many of these players. Also, Leão is staying. Your best payday will be Pulisic, but at this point you’re not getting 60 ml. More like 50-55ml.
Gila (20-25), Ake (10), RWB (cca 30), Goretzka (free but pretty big commission shall be needed there), Chiesa (10, maybe 15), Grimaldo cca 20, Vlahovic (see under Goretzka), Sorloth cca 25. In total, 120 million euros for 6 p. plus two huge commissions.
Also, there’s always the possibility for/of a loan in some cases, right? I wouldn’t exactly call Tammy a PERFECT backup, but perhaps I would’ve kept him too now that/when I realise who we have instead.
And how can you know for sure that Leao is staying? I am not so convinced at all.
“The profile to give the private investigator is simple: a penalty-box striker with physical presence, obviously capable of scoring 15 league goals and with international experience.”
15 league goals? As long as the bar is that “high”…