AT THE BREAK: STEPS TOWARDS THE RIGHT PATH

It wasn't an easy start to the 2025/26 season for Massimiliano Allegri's AC Milan. Between 2-0 wins against sides from Puglia (Bari in Coppa Italia and Lecce in the league) was the unfortunate home defeat to Cremonese. The team will undoubtedly look to make up for that result in the weeks after the first international break of the season. 

One thing to look at in the Rossoneri's first official 270 minutes is the defensive performance, which Allegri has often pointed out when asked about it in press conferences or post-match interviews. AC Milan have been conceding less, finishing two games with a clean sheet, while the loss to Cremonese was due to their ability to make the most of two chances, both coming from set pieces.

Considering how much we suffered defensively in the last two seasons (in terms of goals conceded and chances faced), these are certainly great pointers, forming a flexible back-line, able to play as a three or a four. The constant use of the Tomori-Gabbia-Pavlović trio has postponed De Winter's official debut, but his time will come after the break, as will be the case for new arrivals Athekame and Odogu. It is without a doubt that new faces will be an important factor to keep an eye on in the future.

The days of work at Milanello (the team restarted training yesterday afternoon, Tuesday 2) will ensure the full integration of our final signings from Nkunku to Rabiot. And we can prepare in the best way possible for our return from the break, with an intense calendar (Bologna, Udinese, Napoli and Juventus in Serie A, Lecce in the Coppa Italia). We will look to continue improving our defence and to find better solidity and clinicality in front of goal. It's the right recipe to get in the best place possible for March, the goal repeated several times by the boss.

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