AC Milan are going through what is essentially a rebuilding phase. Last season saw one of the most storied teams in European history toy with the idea of a relegation battle under the helm of Max Allegri, who was as devoid of ideas as the players were devoid of motivation, and in some cases, adequate skill. With Milan looking to bounce back, Allegri was sacked by midseason and replaced by Clarence Seedorf.
2014-2015 Serie A preview: AC Milan aiming to bounce back into Europe
AC Milan have installed legendary striker Filippo Inzaghi as first team coach for the upcoming season. Will he be able to spark a revival and lead them back into Europe?
Paolo Bruno
Though Seedorf was visibly inexperienced -- obtaining his coaching badges while on the job -- he did manage to restore some semblance of hope and respect to the team, guiding them to an 8th place finish. Milan also managed to play cohesively for more than a few games, which put in perspective, was a great achievement.
However, Seedorf was then promptly let go at the season’s end in a messy divorce, making way for former youth team coach Filippo Inzaghi. His short time as manager has proven to be less fruitful than he might have imagined. Through preseason, Milan have been magnificent in their quest to be as despairing as possible, being trashed by Manchester City, Liverpool and Olympiakos while struggling even against Chivas Guadalajara.
Key player
Riccardo Montolivo
Going into the new season with a lot of uncertainty, leadership will be greatly needed. Montolivo, as the captain and one of the most senior players on the squad, will have to lead by example if Milan will be able to get anything out of this season. The playmaker is returning after suffering a horrific leg break in the lead up to the World Cup -- an unfortunate situation that also contributed to Italy’s downfall -- and will be greatly needed from the jump in a Milan team lacking creativity in the middle and a reliable source of goals. The diminutive midfielder is up against a Herculean task, but the prospects of this season and the implementation of Inzaghi’s style will hinge on how well he plays and how good he can make those around him.
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Key departures and arrivals
In: Alex, Jérémy Ménez, Pablo Armero, Adil Rami, M'Baye Niang, Diego López.
Out: Kaká, Robinho, Kévin Constant, Marco Amelia, Urby Emanuelson, Mario Balotelli.
Reasons to watch
If Milan is anything, we're entertaining. Also, the team is full of what can only be described as characters, even with the departure of Mario Balotelli. Philippe Mexès thinks that defending is a punishment that he has done nothing to deserve. He's partnered with Adil Rami who believes in the same dogma, and who left Valencia after insulting the manager. Keisuke Honda can play with both feet equally well and though he struggled last season, he pulls off the suit and sunglasses combination like no other.
Kévin Constant is gone -- you can practically hear the champagne popping -- and has been replaced by Pablo Armero. Armero is an actual fullback who has a tendency of getting forward and scoring goals. Mix that in with him being a prolific dancer, and you can look forward to some adorable goal celebrations. Diego López is actually a good goalkeeper. Riccardo Montolivo has been resurrected after his horrific leg injury that saved him the embarrassment of Italy's World Cup adventure, and now he's sporting a new captain's armband which is pretty awesome.
El Sharaawy, his hair and his flicks are back, so look forward to more Milan YouTube videos set to One Direction. There's also a host of fairy dust footed youngsters coming into the first team: Bryan Cristante, M'Baye Niang, Riccardo Saponara and Hachim Mastour -- who is, quite literally, an angel -- while Mattia De Sciglio will also continue his ascent into divine status. The football might actually be better this season as well, but that's the least reason to watch during these transitional years.
Where they might finish
The heart says a Champions League place but logic and wisdom says that Milan will more than likely finish in a Europa League place.
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