With 2014 having just arrived, AC Milan played their first game in 2014 on Monday, at home against Atalanta. Milan succeeded in getting the 3 points, with Kaka scoring 2 goals in the game, his 100th and his 101st goals with the Rossoneri. Canadian/Italian youngster Bryan Cristante completed the scoring from an impressive shot from outside the box, his first official Milan goal on his Serie A debut with Milan.
A good start to the new year is exactly what the doctor ordered for AC Milan. Sitting in a lowly 11th place in the Serie A table with 22 points from 18 matches, Milan would have to go on a run similar to the one that Roma did at the start of the season in order to compete for the top 3 spots come the end of the season, and with it, guarantee Champions League football next season. The next match for Milan will be this Sunday, against newly-promoted Sassuolo. This would be a much-needed 3 points for the red and black devils, as they simply cannot afford to slip any further behind the current top 3 of Juventus, Roma and Napoli.
For the Sassuolo match, new signings Adil Rami, a centre back signed from Valencia and also hyped Japanese star Keisuke Honda, a technical midfielder coming from CSKA Moscow in the Russian Premiere Division could both get a run out. These 2 additions can be a big help for Milan, as they have waited for much-needed additions and solid centre back Rami, who excels in aerial coverage – which is one of the Rossoneri’s struggles, should add a degree of strength to their back line. On the other hand, Honda an excellent attacking midfielder, is also just what Milan needs in another area of the field as they have been crying out for someone who can pass, score and create chances for Kaka and star striker Mario Balotelli. Manager Allegri is likely to use a 4-3-2-1 formation against Sassuolo, using Kaka and Honda behind Balotelli in attack, which looks deadly on paper. Milan fans should be excited to watch the Japan international, Honda play, as he has tremendous skill that can help the struggling giants out immensely during the second half of the season.
On another note, manager for the past 4 years Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed in an interview that he will be leaving Milan at the end of the season, thanks in part to their horrific form up to this point. This is good news for the fans as Milan needed a big change on the sidelines. Vice-President Adriano Galliani has hinted that former Milan legend Clarence Seedorf could be behind on sideline for Milan at the end of this season, which would seemingly have the backing of the Milan faithful, though the obvious lack of managerial experience would be a hurdle that he would need to overcome immediately and hit the ground running.
On a final note, next month, the round of 16 Champions League legs start for Milan, as they play home and away with Atletico Madrid. New signing Honda cannot play as he is already cup-tied from his time in Moscow, but new centre back Rami is eligible and will go straight into the squad. If Milan do sign someone else in the January transfer window, then it would depend if the player has played in the UCL this season or not with his former team, to know if he can play with Milan against high-flying Spanish giants Atletico Madrid.
It’s a busy and exciting time for the Rossoneri, as they have many Serie A matches, Coppa Italia matches and of course the all important UEFA Champions League Matches. Only time will tell how Milan’s season will pan out.
Thank you, and FORZA MILAN!
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