A.C. Milan: Preview of 2010-11 Season
The season is just about to get underway, and for Milan it is the case of same old, same old.
The arrivals of Mario Yepes, 34, Sokratis Papastathopoulas, and Kevin Prince Boateng, who is being loaned from Genoa, have not been enough to rejuvenate a seriously ageing squad.
The likes of Gennaro Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo, and Alessandro Nesta will again be relied upon to deliver for the Rossoneri, however, these players are another year older and are not quite the players they once were. Gianluca Zambrotta and Massimo Ambrosini also fall into this category.
Ronaldinho, who is also not the player he once was, will again be relied upon to be the driving force behind Milan’s attack and much of their hopes will rest upon the performance of the former Barcelona star.
Despite everything, in Alexandre Pato and Thiago Silva, Milan have perhaps two of the best young talents in Europe. If Thiago can build on his performances from last season and if Pato can keep relatively injury free, they both will help the Milan cause greatly this season.
In addition, new coach Massimiliano Allegri has promised to instill some of Milan’s young starlets which will help add some much needed hunger, speed, and enthusiasm to his outfit.
Alexander Merkel is one such starlet that may prove to be a great addition to the first team, while the likes of Andrea De Vito and Simone Verdi may also show their worth if given a chance.
As of now, talks are well underway to bring the former Inter hit man, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, to Milan. If the Swede does decide to move to Milan he will greatly increase the team's prospects for the season. Though the midfield looks worryingly thin on quality and depth, with Zlatan’s arrival Milan will be able to boast perhaps one of the most feared strike forces in Europe, with Ronaldinho and Pato playing alongside.
Much depends on whether or not the Swede will arrive. If the Milan squad stays as it is, then fans of Milan will hope to avoid disaster rather than dream of silverware.
A note on Milan’s champions league prospects: The draw has again been very unkind to Milan. Again, the Rossoneri have been paired alongside Real Madrid who are now coached by Jose Mourinho. Milan fans do not need reminding of what Jose Mourinho’s Inter did against them last term.
In addition to Real, Milan will have to face off with Auxerre and former European heavyweights, Ajax. It is not an easy draw by any means and perhaps only Inter’s group is slightly more difficult.
Serie A Prediction: Fourth
Champions League Prediction: Second Round
Key men: Alexandre Pato, Ronaldinho, Alessandro Nesta
