Alessandro Costacurta believes that the AC Milan management focused on one key quality in particular in each of their summer signings so far.
Milan’s first bit of summer business was to sign Alvaro Morata from Atletico Madrid, fresh off the back of winning the European Championship with Spain, and he takes the starting striker spot from Olivier Giroud after his departure.
Then it was time to reinforce the defensive department, with Strahinja Pavlovic coming from Red Bull Salzburg to bolster the centre-back position and Emerson Royal joining from Spurs to fight for the starting right-back spot.
The most recent addition was Youssouf Fofana from Monaco, who should provide a much-needed filter in front of the back four to help Paulo Fonseca’s side in transition.
Costacurta spoke to Sky just before Milan opened their 2024-25 season with a 2-2 draw against Torino and he gave his thoughts on the work done by the directors so far, with Radio Rossonera relaying his comments.
“What do I see differently? An attempt to keep the ball more and an attempt, when we go to press, to concede fewer counter-attacks than we did last year. And that’s where Fofana comes in,” he said.
“I think they went looking for leadership on the market. Apart from Maignan I don’t think there was much personality. Pavlovic and especially Morata, the European champion, have it. He has an attitude that in my opinion not many at Milan have.
“Fofana? He adds strength and seeing him he positions himself well in front of the defence, Milan needed him in that role.”