The Foundations for AC Milan’s Pursuit of the Scudetto

23/10/2025 15:10:00 ChampionChatter

Milan leading the Serie A table after seven rounds is something few would have predicted following their embarrassing loss in the first game. Despite the anticipated intense competition, the Rossoneri have shown they possess enough solid reasons to confidently consider the title.

Milan’s top spot is not due to luck. Of the seven teams they have faced, four were in the top nine last season (Napoli, Juventus, Fiorentina, Bologna). This reflects a transformation under coach Max Allegri, who is crafting a Milan that is pragmatic, tough, and effective, based on a solid foundation.

The "Allegri-style" Defensive Wall

The most notable and obvious change in Milan is the solidity of their defense. In the last six matches, they have conceded only two goals. Allegri has turned a defense that used to allow an average of 46 goals per season over the past three years into a steel fortress.

The secret lies in changes to the system and mindset. Allegri did not hesitate to switch to a three-center-back formation (or five defenders when defending), a setup that better protects the goal and suits the players he has. Tomori and Pavlovic, physical "monsters," are now freed from having to read the game too much and can play more aggressively with the intelligent Matteo Gabbia covering behind them.

More importantly, Allegri instilled a new defensive mentality in his players: sensing danger. The whole team drops deep, maintains tight spacing, midfielders actively support defense, and even forwards like Pulisic and Gimenez defend when out of possession. Milan no longer exposes gaps during transitions and minimizes dangerous set-piece situations, which were chronic weaknesses under previous coaches.

A Midfield of Class and New Balance

If the defense is the foundation, then the midfield is the heart of Allegri’s Milan. The arrival of world-class stars like Luka Modric and Adrien Rabiot has transformed a previously unbalanced midfield into one of the strongest in Serie A.

Milan is now showing the image of a Serie A title contender

At 40 years old, Modric remains a "magician" with his ability to control tempo and deliver precise passes. Rabiot, Allegri’s favored player, quickly integrated and became a relentless, all-around machine. Alongside them are the powerful Youssouf Fofana and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who is always ready to penetrate the box to create chances. Allegri openly demanded the management strengthen the midfield after the opening defeat, and Rabiot’s arrival was the perfect piece. This midfield now combines steel, creativity, and goal-scoring ability, achieving an ideal balance for the team.

Mental Strength and Diverse Solutions

Perhaps the most admirable aspect of Milan right now is their mental strength and ability to "recover from setbacks." They did not collapse after the opening loss to Cremonese but rose stronger. They remained unshaken facing an injury crisis before the Fiorentina match, fighting back for a remarkable comeback. This is the hallmark of Allegri, a coach obsessed with building a winning mentality and focusing on every small detail. His furious shouts from the stands at Udine, even when leading 3-0, are the clearest proof.

This mental strength is also reflected in the variety of attacking options. Milan no longer rely on any single individual. Goals can come from any position, from midfielders to even center-backs. The confidence and cohesion in their play allow players to attempt bold and effective combinations. Even young players like Davide Bartesaghi have shown readiness when trusted.

This weekend, Milan has a great chance to consolidate their top spot by facing bottom-placed Pisa, while Inter clashes with Napoli and Juventus visits Lazio. Of course, the season is still long and every match is a challenge, but with these improvements, the Rossoneri have solid reasons to believe in winning their 20th Serie A title.

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