When Italian football historians eventually decide to write about 2022, it will probably go down in the sport’s chronicles as the year of the Devil’s renaissance. Truth to be told, the Milan revival had probably began in late 2019 when Stefano Pioli succeeded his forgotten predecessor Marco Giampaolo to the black and red dugout, nevertheless, the manager’s astonishing work (alongside that of club directors Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara) culminated in a wonderful 2022 which saw the Rossoneri clinching their their first Scudetto title in eleven long years, while also reaching the Champions League group stages for the first time in almost a decade.
Following such spectacular year, there’s always the risk of certain relapse. Therefore, 2023 will be a pivotal one for Milan, as it will either consolidate what has been an enthralling resurrection, or spell the end of what would regarded as a brief positive run.
So in order to keep the flame alive, here are five resolutions for that Milan and Pioli must try to accomplish throughout the course of 2023.
Tactical Shakeup
Since taking charge of the club, Pioli has installed a 4-2-3-1 tactical system, and admittedly, it is arguably the most suitable formation based on the players at his disposal. But when a top side adopts a lineup for too long, it risks becoming slightly predictable.
While we’re not suggesting that the manager should abandon his tried and trusted system and put all the wonderful work he’d accomplished to the torch, but having an alternative plan could come handy at times.
Imagine a three-man backline composed of Pierre Kalulu, Fikayo Tomori and Simon Kjaer, with Theo Hernandeza and Sergino Dest granted an upgraded license to dart forward and cause havoc, with Rafael Leao getting all the freedom he needs to roam all over the pitch.
Perhaps this whole hypothetical lineup won’t operate as fluidly as depicted above, but we’ll never find out unless Pioli tries it.
Rediscover De Ketelaere
Last summer, you’d be forgiven if you hadn’t noticed all the other arrivals at Milan, since the management spent the entire transfer almost exclusively focusing on their primary target, Charles De Ketelaere.
Luckily for Maldini and Massara, they were spared the blushes as their long Belgian campaign came to fruition when the young midfielder put his signature on paper following grueling negotiations with his former employers Club Brugge.
But on the flip side, the 21-year-old is yet to display the type of neat skills that prompted the Rossoneri to chase him in such devote manner. Aside from a few glimpses of brilliance, the Belgium international has thus far failed to leave a mark in Italian football. He has a lone assist to his name in 13 Serie A appearances, mostly coming from the bench.
Therefore, helping De Ketelaere rediscover his best form is of paramount importance both for the club’s present and future.
Crash Into Mercato
As we mentioned above, De Ketelaere was the solitary expensive new buy to land in Milanello last summer, or more accurately in the last few years. To Maldini’s credit, he managed to build a Scudetto-winning squad in spite of the lack of funds. But if Milan were to regain their status as a top European side, then the club must re-establish itself as a big player on the Mercato.
Yes, the limited resources currently available in Italian football is a well-illustrated issue, and surely the golden days of Silvio Berlusconi and Adriano Galliani are long gone. Yet, the Diavolo’s return to the Champions League and their relatively low payroll suggests that Milan can forge up a decent transfer kit, if not for the January session, then perhaps in the upcoming summer.
Maintain The Core
In recent years, it has become customary to see some of the biggest stars at the club leaving on free transfers after the expiry of their contracts. Last year it was Hakan Calhanoglu and Gianluigi Donnarumma, in 2022 it was the turn of Franck Kessié and former captain Alessio Romagnoli.
As always, two schools of thoughts have emerged. While some believe that those who only care about money should be shown the door, others blamed the management for failing to sway the departing stars, which subsequently caused a loss of important assets.
To the club’s credit, Milan managed to replace some of their former stars with more than capable replacements, with Mike Maignan being the prime example. Nonetheless, this exodus of top talent will eventually take a toll on the squad, and an affordable replacement isn’t always at the door. For instance, Kessié has surely left a significant hole in the middle of the park despite the prowess of Ismael Bennacer and Sandro Tonali.
Therefore, it’s important for Milan to grab a hold on some of the most indispensable players for Pioli and his tactical scheme in order to maintain a solid and consistent core, even if it means adjusting the strict parameters set for contract negotiations.
Champions League Vibes
Last season, Milan looked like a team possessed en route towards a thrilling Scudetto triumph. If it was a dramatic battle against their crosstown rivals Inter, one that went to the wire. Ultimately, it felt that the Rossoneri simply wanted it more.
But this term, the vibes are slightly different. Surely the defending champions remain genuine challengers in the race – even if Napoli have assumed the role of the runaway leaders – however, we’re not sensing the same hunger which was on display during the previous campaign form start to finish.
Nevertheless, history tells us that this isn’t a club that focuses on ushering in eras of domestic dominance. No, the Devils have a different muse, one that isn’t limited by the peninsula’s borders.
Naturally, Milan don’t possess the means to clinch their eight Champions League triumph this season nor should it be an objective for Pioli and his men. However, the club and its fanbase are undoubtedly thirsty for a glorious European run, at least for old time’s sake.
The Italians have been pitted against Tottenham Hotspur in the Round of 16, and since Antonio Conte’s men aren’t enjoying their finest hour (at least at the time of writing), this could be the perfect opportunity for Pioli’s band to strike at the heart of London and declare the official awakening of a sleeping European giant.
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