AC Milan may not be in European action this season, but, although this is disappointing, it may ultimately prove a blessing in disguise for the Rossoneri.
It was a mixed campaign for Milan last season as they finished eighth, with 18 wins, nine draws and 11 losses. In cup competitions, they were knocked out in the Champions League knockout playoffs, and were runners up in the Coppa Italia, although they did win the Supercoppa Italiana.
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They also had three different managers over the course of the campaign and are now on their fourth in a year after Massimiliano Allegri took over in the summer.
Allegri arrived with great pedigree, having 14 trophies, including six Serie A titles, one of these coming with AC Milan back in 2010/11.
It was an exciting appointment for the club, alongside some top transfers like former Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric.
Despite this, AC Milan have lost their first league game to Cremonese, who have only just been promoted from Serie B. The loss emphasises that this current AC Milan rebuild is a much bigger task than many expected.
European competitions like the Champions League bring plenty of money, but going without Europe, for the first time since 2020, may ultimately prove the best outcome.
With fewer matches and midweek games, Milan can fully focus on a higher finish in the league. Their key competitors will all be in Europe and have to contend with fixture congestion.
More so, the sides in Europe’s premier knockout competition are not amongst the favourites to win the Champions League and are only seen as having an outside chance.
With a constant flow of facing tough opponents in Europe, the Italian clubs may struggle to build momentum, especially if they are struggling to pick up wins midweek.
Milan do not have the biggest squad right now, so fewer matches should help match fitness and recovery. Players who were previously inconsistent may find it easier to shine in the league, with no pressure of having to compete on multiple fronts.
Santiago Gimenez was an exciting signing, but he has not lived up to expectations. The Mexican forward only managed five Serie A goals last campaign.
Rafael Leao is a key player, proven by his 16 goal contributions in 34 Serie A appearances last time out, so getting the best out of him will continue to be key to any future success.
Allegri is no doubt at the start of a big rebuild with this huge club, and improving the defence has been at the heart of the summer spending.
Milan have signed full-backs Pervis Estupinan and Zachary Athekame, as well as centre-back Koni De Winter. Defensive midfielders Ardon Jashari and Samuele Ricci have also joined the club.
With no Europe, it will be easier for new signings to gel and start to build a good connection with the rest of the squad. It can be harder to do this if they are having to play multiple matches a week as there are fewer training sessions when having to play in the Champions League or Europa League.
Not fighting at the top of the division or in the Champions League will be a huge disappointment for all associated with Milan, but the hope is they can rebuild and push on under Allegri.
The top four will be their target, and there is no doubting that this can be achieved with the squad and manager they have.
