AC Milan and its Belgians, expected to turn this year in Europe
Returning to the top of its national football, the great AC Milan will not become completely so until it confirms its revival at European level.
Impressive reigning Italian champions, AC Milan started their season on the same pace: a prestigious victory in a fiery derby (3-2) and a record of 11 points out of 15. Without a doubt, the men de Pioli are at new parties to aim for the title and want to deprive their competitors – a convalescent Juve, rejuvenated Napoli and Roma, and an Inter wanting to surf on its hype from two seasons ago – of a coronation.
Deprived, precisely, of the title in 2020-2021 by their eternal rivals from San Siro, the Rossoneri finally find the Champions League for the first time since the 2013-2014 season. An eternity for the seven-time winner of the competition, the second club to have lifted the Cup with the big ears the most times behind Real and its 14 crowns.
A ruined reunion
In a group – raised – made up of Liverpool, Atlético and Porto, the Milanese were simply not up to it. After a spectacular opening match and a defeat against Liverpool (3-2), the Rossoneri chained another two defeats. After a draw against Porto and a first point won, the Milanese then keep their revenge on Atlético – who eliminated them in the round of 16 during their last participation. The qualifier will be played against Liverpool.
Faced with simply stronger Reds, the Milanese fall when they had opened the scoring. It is, ironically, Divock Origi who eliminates them from the C1 but also from the race for the Europa League.
The qualification, or nothing!
Since then, water has flowed over the bridges. Milan seem stronger than ever and want to regain their prestige. Poured into group E, with Chelsea, Salzburg and Zagreb, Milan will have to seek at least second place. Admittedly, spending the European winter would risk complicating the task in Serie A, but we are not talking about just any club …
An expanded core, and “belgified”
To achieve its ends and play on several levels, Milan kept more than it welcomed. Apart from Franck Kessié, there was no major departure to note. Even that of former captain Romagnoli does not leave anyone worried, as Tomori and Kalulu have become full-fledged captains.
If we were, in the end, to characterize the Milanese transfer window, we would not be mistaken in using the term “Belgian”. With Alexis Saelemaekers already, arrived Charles De Ketelaere, Divock Origi and Aster Vranckx.
If the first three could taste the C1 this season, this will unfortunately not be the case for the young player on loan from Wolfsburg, not registered in the European list. All eyes will be on CDK, already embraced by the Italian public and carrying quite huge promise. After having shone with Bruges in the competition which proved outside our borders, the 21-year-old player will have a real role to play in Pioli’s chessboard.
This will also be the case for Saelemaekers, who are still competing on their right flank – poorly performing, as noted by observers – but who enjoy a good dose of credit. Finally, Divock Origi seems destined for a joker role, given the still impressive level of Giroud in particular. His great experience – decisive – in the competition could be a fatal weapon for his new colors.