AC Milan: 5 Positive Factors for Club Going Forward After Derby vs. Inter

Despite another draw in Serie A, Milan have a few positive pointers to look out for. Key players coming back, the continued growth in chemistry amongst the squad, and the January transfer window should all influence the Rossoneri in a positive manner.

Plenty of new additions and a new coach always meant that it would take some time for the squad to really show what they're capable of under Filippo Inzaghi.

Here are five positive factors for the club going forward into the second half of the season and beyond:

Stephan El Shaarawy Continues to Grow

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After missing virtually all of last season with various injuries including a foot surgery, El Shaarawy is finally showing the form that made him a household name two seasons ago when he scored 16 goals in Serie A.

In the past two matches, he has really elevated his standards to what we expected of him. His assist for Jeremy Menez against Inter was top notch. El Shaarawy managed to find Menez as he was making a run into the box and placed a perfectly weighted pass right in his direction.

He nearly scored as well on a one-on-one opportunity against Samir Handanovic. He got in behind the defense and just tried curling it right over the keeper, only to see his attempt clang off the crossbar.

Expect the 22-year-old winger to continue becoming more and more influential and eventually reclaim a consistent starting spot on the Italian national team.

Adil Rami Shows Unexpected Versatility

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Hardly do you see a makeshift right-back have the same impact that Adil Rami had against Inter. He has been one of Milan's best central defenders this calendar year, and he only continued to impress by slotting in very well at the full-back position.

It was already known that Rami had a soft touch for a big man at the back. He ventured forward often, even delivering a few quality crosses into the box.

While Rami won't likely play there again as Ignazio Abate will come back, it's comforting to see various players showcasing so much versatility for the club. Injuries will continue taking place, so Filippo Inzaghi now knows he can rely on the Frenchman to cover any role at the back.

3rd Place Is Still Close

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Milan have now drawn four out of their last five matches in Serie A, the other being a loss. It's a disappointing trend which has seen them drop to seventh on the table with only 18 points.

However, no other team except Roma and Juventus has shone or created separation from the rest of the back. 

Only four points separate Milan from third-placed Napoli, who have 22 points in the table. The Rossoneri have four very tricky matches coming up in Serie A before the winter break.

Matches against Udinese, Genoa, Napoli and Roma will be telling of whether or not Milan has the identity to make a serious push up the standings and get themselves back into Europe.

Riccardo Montolivo Close to Coming Back

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Riccardo Montolivo was finally on the bench against Inter after suffering that near-catastrophic leg injury in a pre-World Cup friendly against Ireland.

Now that he's regaining his fitness, Milan's captain should finally make his season debut and offer much-needed creativity to the midfield.

One of the club's biggest Achilles' heel was the fact that the midfield unit isn't able to create fluid play. With Montolivo, expect more of a calming presence in the center of the park who's able to thread a lovely pass to one of the attackers making a run behind the defense.

Apart from his passing ability, Montolivo is a hard worker who can help on the defensive end as well. His return is a huge boost for Inzaghi's men no matter how you look at it.

January Transfer Window Around the Corner

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In the past few seasons, the January transfer window has become an increasingly lavish session that nearly mirrors the transfer havoc that takes place during the summer.

Make no mistake, Silvio Berlusconi and Adriano Galliani have a plan up their sleeve and they'll hopefully move away from the recent tradition of signing washed-up veterans for free contracts.

There are still plenty of holes in the lineup that need to be addressed. Another quality box-to-box midfielder is needed, and the defense always needs help, especially in the center.

Don't expect another No. 9 to join the club. With the exorbitant wage that Fernando Torres is receiving, Milan will continue using him until he somehow manages to start scoring.

The moves that Milan decide to make in the upcoming transfer session will be telling of just how much they're invested in getting back into Europe.