What to expect from Milan in 2021-22

Second place and a return to the Champions League were hard fought and thoroughly deserved, but the Rossoneri must continue to build a project to compete on all fronts, Matt Santangelo writes…

The celebrations behind Milan’s Champions League berth were a refreshing sight after years of heartache. Not only was the Rossoneri’s decisive result against Atalanta on the final match day a win for the club but for football fans across the globe who, regardless of where your allegiance lies, would agree the seven-time European winners belong back at the big table. But, the rejoicing would only last a few days.

Soon thereafter, the club’s brass quickly directed their attention to the market and season ahead, where progression and steady growth back towards becoming a legitimate threat is of paramount importance. Ultimately though, what can we expect from Stefano Pioli’s men in 2021-22?

On the market front, Milan saw two key men walk for free early on this summer in Gianluigi Donnarumma and Hakan Çalhanoğlu, the latter joining rivals Inter.

In response to growing concerns about who would occupy goal, Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara swiftly secured Gigio’s replacement in Mike Maignan, who had been earmarked for months in the unfortunate – yet somewhat expected – event the UEFA Euro 2020 Player of the Tournament departed.

Thus far, however, the majority of Milan’s market activity has been deciding which of the previous season’s loanees to strike more permanent deals for – namely Fikayo Tomori, who was purchased for around €28m, Brahim Diaz on an extended loan stay and Sandro Tonali, whose buy option and wages were reduced to the benefit of the club.

Walking through the doors of Milanello as fresh faces, Fodé Ballo-Touré and Olivier Giroud enter the fray expected to play vastly different roles of importance to the cause.

The Frenchman, a World Cup and Champions League-winning striker, brings a wealth of success and experience to the front line that will surely help alleviate some of the burden off the shoulders of Zlatan Ibrahimović.

When you factor in his character, longevity as a consistent goalscorer and hold-up play, Milan have another No 9 who can spearhead an attack, even if it is for a few seasons.

The changing room and team chemistry appear positive. Pioli has been a much-needed figure of stability in the post, even if flat, lethargic play in the second half of the season had fans on edge until the very end. While the players and management back the coach, a young project such as this cannot rest on its laurels either if it wishes to avoid a setback.

Squad players like Tonali and Rafael Leao must grow into difference makers who can be relied upon by Pioli to put in impactful performances when called upon. Ante Rebic has delivered big moments, but his hot and cold tendencies need sorting in order to elevate the attack. Then there are questions to raise about the fitness of some of the most important members of the team, and the options available to Pioli if they are unavailable.

Can key members like Ibrahimovic, Simon Kjær and Ismaël Bennacer stay healthy? Is there enough adequate depth in the midfield to cope when the Africa Cup of Nations rolls around? Will the youth rise to the occasion, or succumb to the pressures that come with heightened expectations? Several questions require answers.

Milan have a healthy balance of vibrant youth and experienced veterans, and are hopeful in building off the success of last season. The fan base is united in pursuit of the same goals, but are somewhat divided on how the squad has been reinforced this summer. So, in pinning down expectations for this upcoming campaign, how Milan address the final weeks of the market becomes increasingly important by the day.

There is positivity in the red and black camp, but fans know better to remain cautiously optimistic. Another top four finish and a Round of 16 qualification are ambitious, yet attainable goals a club of Milan’s stature should strive for.

Football Italia’s full 2021-22 season preview will be published after the close of the transfer window.