What's Happening?
AC Milan concluded their 2025 summer preseason with a 4-1 defeat against Chelsea. Massimiliano Allegri made significant changes to the lineup, including Andrei Coubis, who faced challenges with an own-goal and a red card. Chelsea's Joao Pedro and Liam Delap contributed to the scoreline, with Delap scoring twice. Milan's preseason included two wins, a draw, and two losses. Allegri emphasized the team's progress despite the defeat, focusing on preparations for the upcoming competitive season. The match revealed Milan's urgent need for defensive reinforcements, particularly with Malick Thiaw's potential move to Newcastle United.
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Why It's Important?
The defeat against Chelsea underscores AC Milan's need for strategic adjustments, particularly in defense. With Thiaw's departure, Milan's reliance on a three-man defense system may require additional reinforcements to prevent a crisis from injuries or suspensions. The match also highlighted Milan's attacking potential, with Rafael Leao and Alexis Saelemaekers showing promise. However, midfield concerns persist, with players like Samuele Ricci and Luka Modric needing to improve their form. Milan's ability to address these issues will be crucial as they face challenging fixtures against top teams like Napoli and Juventus.
What's Next?
AC Milan will need to focus on strengthening their defense and midfield ahead of the competitive season. The potential signing of Koni De Winter from Genoa could provide some relief, but additional experienced players may be necessary. Allegri's challenge will be to optimize player combinations and ensure readiness for upcoming matches against Bari, Cremonese, and Lecce. The team's performance in these early-season games will be critical in building momentum and confidence for tougher fixtures later in the season.
