A Poorly Built Squad: The Glaring Weaknesses in the Current Milan Roster
The defeat against Udinese and the difficulties of recent weeks have shone a spotlight on a structural problem that has been accompanying AC Milan for some time: the squad is not up to the club’s ambitions. This is a reflection that emerges not only from the analysis of individual performances, but from the overall reading of a season that has seen the team slide from title contention to fighting for a Champions League spot in the space of just a few weeks.
The starting point is clear: Milan do not have a striker capable of reaching double figures in league goals. For a club that wants to compete at the highest level in Serie A and in Europe, this is a gap that is difficult to justify. A prolific centre-forward who can make a difference on his own is a necessity, not a luxury.
The Defence: The Achilles’ Heel When Switching Formations
Another critical issue concerns the defensive unit. Every time Milan have had to adapt to a four-man defence — as in the recent switch to the 4-3-3 — the available defenders have shown clear difficulties in adjusting to the new system. A modern defender must be able to operate across multiple formations, and this tactical versatility appears to be lacking in a significant portion of the Rossoneri’s backline.
Investing in more reliable and versatile defensive profiles in the upcoming summer transfer window is one of the priorities that the club’s leadership must place at the top of their agenda.
The Midfield: Ricci Under the Spotlight
In the middle of the park, performances have fallen short of expectations for a large part of the squad. Among the names that have attracted the most criticism is Samuele Ricci, signed for approximately €25 million. The midfielder — who has already made strong public comments about the team’s mental fragility — has struggled to impose himself consistently: not incisive enough going forward, not always solid defensively, and lacking decisiveness in front of goal.
The standard required at a club like Milan is high, and certain players might perform better in less demanding environments. This is not about diminishing individual value, but recognising that every player must be placed in the right context to give their best.
Summer 2026: Milan’s Leadership Must Step Up
The upcoming summer transfer window is a crucial appointment for Milan’s future. The Rossoneri leadership has a responsibility to build a competitive squad, one capable of supporting the manager’s tactical choices and approaching both the league and European competitions with genuine solidity.
Signing the right players — the ones the manager actually wants — is the prerequisite for breaking out of this cycle of fragility. Investments must be targeted, functional and aligned with a clear sporting project. Milan simply cannot afford to arrive at the end of every season with the same unresolved weaknesses.
But before the summer, there is one immediate and non-negotiable objective: closing the season with Champions League qualification. Only from there can a stronger, more self-aware Milan begin to build again — and return to competing for the biggest prizes.
