Last season was bad for Milan
A year would have been bad even for a weaker club, but according to rossoneri criteria it was pathetic. World title cannot heal the wound of early elimination from the Champions League and taking up fifth place in Serie A and the fact that Milan won't play among European elite was a tough blow for the club, especially for the financial part. They expected some major changes; Galliani added insult to injury by saying that the club can't match English and Spanish clubs with bids and even Bundesliga is bidding higher. Some fans' petitions were started demanding from Berlusconi to resign, that is to say to sell the club to someone who will invest more but this was all just a show to cover up what is about to happen. Ronaldinho came, following free transfer Flamini from Arsenal, and the returnee form Spain, Zambrotta already put on rossoneri jersey. The best Italian scorer in Serie A Marco Boriello came back to the club and the problem with the keepers was partially solved by signing another former member Abbiati. There are still speculations about the possible Shevchenko's return, though a true target will be some quality defender. Nesta is injured, back line is more or less made of veterans which will be a problem. At one moment diavoli were a step away from signing Ivanovic but Chelsea stopped the transfer in the last minute. However, there is still few days till the end of the transfer and Milan will probably bring few other players, lo scudetto is the absolute priority.
Brazilian attack spurs on fans' expectations
Ronaldinho, Kaka, Pato make a dream trio, at least in theory... Once world's best player, Ronaldinho, who agreed for lower income only to wear Milan jersey, is expected to get back in old form. If he succeeds in that, it will be a dream come true. We are pretty sceptical about the statements that he has played the best of him, he will probably have a lot of motivation and the fellow countryman and national squad colleagues Kaka and Pato, as well as the real Brazilian colony in Milan should help him. Attack is no problem, although Gilardino left, no one can rule out Borrielo and especially not Pipo Inzaghi... It seems that this part of the team is better covered now than last season. Anyway, Galliani and Berlusconi didn't solve some puzzles in defence. Zambrotta can cover both left and right side, Bonear can be a centre half if needed but Milan haven't got adequate replacement for Nesta. Former Lazio captain is prone to injuries, that is why the club is seeking for an alternative, for Maldini who is probably playing his last season can't be a starter. And, finally we have the question of keeper, Abbiati, Kalac and Dida are fine keepers but none of them is what Milan need, a world-class keeper. There were speculations about Lloris coming from Nice, perhaps the most talented keeper in Europe but he went to Lyon. Frey also remained a dream; Frenchman extended his contract with Fiorentina.
In
Ronaldinho (Barcelona), Zambrotta (Barcelona), Flamini (Arsenal), Boriello (Genoa), Antonini (Empoli), Abbiati (Atletico)
Out
Gilardino, Digao, Šimic, Ronaldo, Serginho, Cafu, Gourcuff
Our tip
Basic advantage for Milan is not playing in Champions League. You saw last season how Juventus mainly won bigger clubs thanks to the fact that they were more rested. Now Milan will be in a similar situation, they will play in Europe but Ancelotti will rest the starters in UEFA Cup. It is very important to say that unlike last season, injuries won't reflect the team who have a lot of quality players. Milan have enough experience and quality to fight for lo scudetto. Ancelotti knows that it is important to pressure the rivals; we dare say that Milan will be a big favourite for the title if the spring sees them on top. Anyway, rossoneri will take a better place than last season, as we see it, they have the best team in Serie A, alongside Inter of course. And the fact that, unlike their city rivals they can focus on the championship could decide the race. Don't let preparation matches misguide you, because most of the players were injured; now when Ancelotti has a complete squad at disposal you will see a completely different Milan.
Our tip: Lecce to finish bottom
Odds 3.00
Bookmaker: Bet365
CL
CLQ
UEFA
RELEG
