The keys to Milan, which wants to relive its golden years in Europe

He Milan that the hobby at the top of the Old Continent is back. set rossonero, the seven-time European champion (the club with the second highest number of titles of all time) and one of the most prestigious palmar in the world of football, it took more than a decade to return to the quarter-finals Champions League. However, he reached the place where he belongs and where he has not had a place since the 2011-2012 season. The exercise of resistance and tactical control earned him entry into the top eight Europe. Pulled back well, he slowed down to preserve San Siro’s advantage and leave Tottenham out of the top competition. Now it’s their turn to face Naples (Wednesday, 21:00, Movistar Champions League) who scares the league, but who confirmed four goals just two days ago.

This new Milan is far from the team that shone in the golden age bags or Capello. At the beginning of the century, in less than ten years, he appeared in three Champions League finals and won two in hand Carlos Ancelotti. «We will be a team of devils. Our colors will be red like fire and black like the fear we will instill in our opponents». Herbert Kilpin, co-founder of the club, introduced and defined the team with these words. More than 120 years later, the cadre led Stefano Pioli he wants to sow that terror again on the Old Continent.

Young talents

The long journey through the desert is over. And one of those responsible is the historical captain of Milan, Paolo Maldini. At the head of sports management, he discovered, bet and prioritized young talents. The club, which fell into the hands of investment fund Elliott, had to tighten their belts and sign by spending less money than other Serie A teams. But that did not stop them from putting quality aside. He succeeded with the incorporations Theo Hernandez, Kalulu, Tonali, Bennacer, Giroud and above all, Leão.

The Portuguese, although he has reduced his performance this season, is one of the best dribblers in the Italian league. With his explosive speed, imposing physique and technical virtues, he has established himself as one of the best players on the field. Rossonero (his contract expires in 2024 and both sides are negotiating).

Besides being good at attacking the opposing defender in one-on-one situations, he is able to combine very well with his teammates. Especially with Theo Hernandez. Both carry Milan’s offensive threat (not forgetting Giroud and the unflammable Ibrahimovic, who has been injured for most of the season). When the defender shows width on the left side, Leão makes his position vertical. The deadly duo.

defensive wall

Champion team from shield It cannot be understood without the figure of Hernández. His physical layout, which makes it easy for him to be a presence in attack and defense, and his maturity made him a key player. He is very sharp in his left lane and has great strength in the race.

The rest of Milan’s defensive line forms a wall. Despite having better numbers in the national competition last season, Kalulu (one of the revelations at European level), Thiaw and Tomori to give security behind Paolo Maldini signed three of them for 40 million euros. A purchase that managed to bring a profit.

Machine room

Ismael Bennacer and Sandra tonals They own the Milan midfield following the departure of Kessié who provided tactical balance. The ubiquitous and charismatic Italian player had to convince Milan fans. The bad games and substitutions of the first season are behind him. Now the reference is in the center of the field. The leader of the engine room and a real dribbler capable of carrying the weight of the game.

Thanks to Pioli

«PYooli designed a masterpiece. You see the Milan team and how much they have spent, and fourth or fifth place would be more than justified.” A word from a legend like Arrigo Sacchi. Although Stefano Pioli is having his worst season since joining the club in 2019, he managed to make the team Rossonero return to the quarterfinals. A new credit that joins his portfolio of success leading the season title, which he achieved without a star-studded team. “The Champions League is the Champions League, and Milan is Milan. We want to continue, go to the end,” said the Italian. At San Siro, they crave Orejona again.