Football Season Guide

Milan finished the past campaign on the 5th rung of Serie A, just 1 point off the top 4, but they saw their qualification to the Europa League cancelled due to violation of the UEFA financial fair play. The gritty Gennaro Gattuso was let go as the new management opted for a coach who goes for a more entertaining kind of football. So, Marco Giampaolo arrived after 3 seasons at Sampdoria. While he certainly offers spectacular play, mostly adopting a 4-3-1-2 formation, Giampaolo has never led a team higher than the 9th standing, as his sides usually enjoy a dip of form in the spring-time after strong starts to the season. The Milan squad was one filled with too much deadwood and it was wisely trimmed over the summer. So, the likes of Montolivo, Mauri and Bertolacci were all let go, after mostly failing to play last season, while veterans like Zapata and Abate were given the chance to look for their last deals elsewhere. Cutrone was the sole relevant player to be sold: he did not have many chances to play, while Bakayoko’s loan was not renewed despite his good performances. In terms of new signings, Milan opted for a rejuvenation of the squad and picked up all players younger than 25. For the defence, they hired a centre-back in Duarte, who has no European experience, and Theo Hernandez, from Real Madrid, as left-back. From Empoli, Krunic and Bennacer should provide creativity and muscle for the midfield while Rafa Leao, who did well in France at Lille, should support Piatek up-front. Donnarumma was confirmed between the sticks but he is still wanted by some big European clubs: his departure would leave them in big trouble if not properly replaced. Moreover, they also need more depth up-front.