With the completion of the Euros and Copa America, the focus now shifts back to league football, and Serie A is no exception. AC Milan, one of Italy’s most storied clubs, is on a mission to secure their 20th league title, which would earn them the coveted second star on their jersey.
This milestone has been tantalisingly out of reach, especially highlighted by the dramatic events of last season. The 2023-24 campaign saw city rivals Inter Milan clinch their second star by winning the Serie A title in a decisive derby against Milan.
This not only intensified the rivalry but also added pressure on the Rossoneri to respond and reclaim their dominance. As the new season begins, the burning question is whether Milan can overcome the challenges and finally achieve this historic feat.
Historical Context
Milan’s journey to their first star, symbolizing ten Serie A titles, began in the early 20th century. The club won its first league title in 1901 and continued to build its legacy with subsequent victories in 1906 and 1907.
However, it wasn’t until the post-World War II era that Milan truly established itself as a dominant force in Italian football. The acquisition of Swedish stars Gunnar Gren, Gunnar Nordahl, and Nils Liedholm in 1949 transformed the team, leading to four Serie A titles in the 1950s.
Milan’s golden era continued into the late 20th century, particularly under the ownership of Silvio Berlusconi from 1986 onwards. The club’s success in the 1980s and 1990s, with legendary players like Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini, and Marco van Basten, culminated in their 10th Serie A title in the 1978-79 season, earning them their first star. This period also saw Milan dominate European football, winning multiple Champions League titles.
However, the turn of the century brought significant challenges. The Calciopoli scandal in 2006, which involved widespread match-fixing in Italian football, saw Milan among the penalised clubs.
Although they avoided relegation, the scandal disrupted their momentum and allowed rivals like Inter to capitalise. Inter won five consecutive Serie A titles from 2006 to 2010, leveraging the turmoil to surpass Milan in domestic dominance.
Milan’s resilience saw them return to the top, winning their 18th Serie A title in the 2010/2011 season. Yet, another decade-long drought followed, characterised by financial struggles and inconsistent performances.
The 2021-22 season marked a triumphant return to glory, as Milan secured their 19th Serie A title under the management of Stefano Pioli. This victory reignited hopes of earning a second star, a feat that has remained tantalizingly close yet elusive.
Current squad analysis
Milan’s squad has undergone significant changes in recent years, aiming to build a team capable of contending for the Serie A title and their second star.
The defence is bolstered by the presence of established stars like Theo Hernández and Fikayo Tomori, alongside promising talents such as Malick Thiaw. Hernández continues to be a key player, offering both defensive solidity and attacking support down the left flank.
In goal, Mike Maignan remains a vital asset, providing reliability and leadership at the back. The addition of depth in defensive positions, with players like Pierre Kalulu and Jan-Carlo Simić, ensures Milan has the flexibility to handle the rigors of a long season.
In attack, Rafael Leão remains the focal point, supported by a mix of experienced and young forwards. The signing of Alvaro Morata from Atletico Madrid adds significant firepower to Milan’s frontline. Morata, with his experience in Serie A and proven goal-scoring record, is expected to fill the void left by Olivier Giroud.
Competitors
The race for the Serie A title in the 2024-25 season is set to be highly competitive, with several top teams poised to challenge Milan for the crown. Chief among the contenders are Inter Milan, Juventus, and Napoli.
Inter: As the defending champions, Inter Milan will be a formidable opponent. Under the guidance of Simone Inzaghi, Inter boasts a well-rounded squad with stars like Lautaro Martínez leading their attack. Their consistent performances and tactical discipline make them strong candidates to retain the title.
Juventus: Juventus, one of Italy’s most successful clubs, remains a perennial contender. Despite recent struggles, they possess a squad filled with experienced internationals and emerging talents. The leadership of players like Danilo and the tactical acumen of manager Thiago Motta could see Juventus mount a serious challenge this season.
Napoli: After their remarkable title win in the 2022/2023 season, Napoli continues to be a significant force in Serie A. With Antonio Conte at the helm, Napoli’s tactical intensity and robust squad depth make them a formidable opponent. Players like Giovanni Di Lorenzo provide stability and leadership, crucial for their title aspirations.
These teams, alongside potential dark horses like Roma and Atalanta, ensure that the battle for the Serie A title will be fiercely contested.
Is it worth it to bet on Milan earning their second star?
If you’re considering placing a bet on AC Milan to win the Serie A title this season, it’s important to analyze the current odds, which reveal how bookmakers view the competition and Milan’s prospects in this fiercely contested race.
AC Milan’s odds of 7.50 show that bookmakers recognize them as serious contenders, though they face significant competition.
Bookmakers have positioned Inter Milan as the favorites with odds of 1.66, indicating their strong squad depth, consistent performance, and recent success under Simone Inzaghi. Inter’s ability to win crucial matches and their stability as defending champions are key factors influencing these odds.
Juventus follows with odds of 5.00, suggesting that bookmakers see them as strong challengers despite recent struggles. The presence of experienced players and the tactical acumen of new manager Thiago Motta contribute to their high ranking. Juventus’ historical resilience and capability to bounce back from setbacks are crucial elements that the bookies are considering.
Napoli, with odds of 8.00, also poses a strong threat, adding further intrigue to the title race.
If you’re looking to place a bet on the Rossoneri, we recommend finding betting sites with welcome bonuses that can give you additional bonus funds to bet on Milan throughout the season.
Conclusion
AC Milan’s pursuit of their second star is more than just a title chase; it’s a quest to reclaim their status as giants of Italian football. With a strengthened squad, strategic managerial changes, and the motivation of historical significance, Milan is poised to make a serious bid for the Serie A crown.
While the competition is fierce, the Rossoneri have the tools and the talent to finally achieve their long-awaited milestone. The 2024-25 season promises to be an exciting chapter in Milan’s storied history, and fans will be eagerly watching to see if their team can rise to the occasion.
