QS: ‘Everyone under observation’ – Milan face crucial six-game sprint with ‘revolution’ possible

AC Milan have six games to try and secure a spot in the Champions League, then it will be time for some difficult decisions.

Milan are three points ahead of fourth-placed Juventus, five ahead of Como in fifth, and six ahead of Roma. There’s no escaping the numbers: the Rossoneri have gone from a long unbeaten streak (24 games) to four defeats in their last seven matches, all without scoring.

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Milan have declined from being hot on Inter’s heels and dreaming of overtaking them, to the risk of missing out on a Champions League spot, the ‘primary objective’ as Massimiliano Allegri has repeatedly reiterated.

As Quotidiano Sportivo report, around €40m is at stake or possibly even more, given that is the difference between UCL and Europa League prize money. A six-game sprint is coming, then it will be time for the big question: ‘adjustments or revolution’?

Big changes possible (again)

It will be Gerry Cardinale ‘s first summer without Elliott Management looking over his shoulder. The reiterated strategy recently has been one of compactness, continuity and growth. But the Jean-Philippe Mateta case remains a symbol.

It was a deal that fell through, one not exactly attributable to sporting director Igli Tare. The arrival of an additional defender, which would have been useful to Allegri, also fell through: Joe Gomez and Axel Disasi were linked – players with Champions League experience – but David Odogu arrived.

Allegri has always publicly defended his squad. Even on Saturday, despite a 3-0 defeat at San Siro for the first time since February 2021 (against Inter), conceding three at home for the first time since Stefano Pioli’s last match (Milan 3-3 Salernitana, May 2024).

The big issue is in attack, with the forwards having scored five goals in 2026 so far. In fact, no one is certain of staying. Christian Pulisic hasn’t scored in 2026 and negotiations for a renewal aren’t progressing, despite his contract expiring in 2027.

Niclas Füllkrug will most likely not be bought from West Ham. Christopher Nkunku, who arrived this summer from Chelsea for €37m plus €5m in bonuses, was already rumoured to be leaving a few months ago (especially to Fenerbahçe).

Santiago Gimenez was on the market in August (a swap with Roma for Artem Dovbyk was negotiated) and before his injury (to Sunderland). Then, there is all of the noise about Rafael Leao’s time coming to an end. The list is long.

In midfield, despite the wait for Luka Modric’s contract renewal and an untouchable Adrien Rabiot, Youssouf Fofana could also be packing his bags: Galatasaray continue to pursue him. The same goes for Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who was recently explored by Aston Villa.

Space and money would then be available for future signings: from Mario Gila and Leon Goretka, all the way to the striker spot, where Robert Lewandowski, Moise Kean and Mateo Retegui have been linked. Time will tell, and the present will determine the future.