Following a brief respite granted by Massimiliano Allegri after the Supercoppa trip to Saudi Arabia, AC Milan is back at Milanello, with immediate focus on the upcoming match against Verona. The return to training brought positive news regarding Rafael Leao, whose recovery appears promising for Sunday’s encounter. However, Matteo Gabbia’s return seems less likely for the weekend, with his sights set on the Cagliari away game on January 2nd.
Füllkrug’s Imminent Arrival: A Reflection of Milan’s Financial Reality
Today is expected to be a decisive day for Niclas Füllkrug’s move to Milan. Discussions between Milan and West Ham continued over the weekend, culminating in an official email from the Rossoneri with a final offer: a loan with an option to buy for 13 million euros. Füllkrug is seen as the striker Allegri sought in the summer and is expected to be available for the Milan-Genoa match on January 8th. While Gabriel Jesus was reportedly offered to Milan management, his physical condition did not impress. This transfer, however, highlights a stark reality for the club: Milan can only afford Füllkrug due to current economic constraints. It’s an unpleasant truth to acknowledge, but a bitter one nonetheless. Only if Nkunku were to be sold would the management gain the necessary financial flexibility to pursue another forward on a permanent basis.
The Perth Predicament: A Match in Limbo
The decision to host the Milan-Como match in Perth has been met with skepticism, both personally and within the editorial team. This choice has been consistently opposed, as it is believed the match should be played in Italy, at San Siro, at the earliest available date after the inauguration of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics. Ezio Simonelli, president of Lega Calcio Serie A, met with Infantino in Qatar during the Intercontinental Cup and, to everyone’s surprise, announced that Milan-Como would indeed be played in Perth. While FIFA’s president has given a preliminary nod, official signatures are still pending, awaiting final approval from the FIFA executive committee. Both Milan and Como are eager for a swift official response, as each passing day complicates logistical planning. There’s also the possibility of FIFA changing its stance, much like what happened with the Villarreal-Barcelona match in Miami, which was canceled due to lengthy response times.
Leao’s Return: A Ray of Hope for Verona
Rafael Leao’s presence at Milanello yesterday was a welcome sight, offering a significant morale boost ahead of the Verona clash. His improved condition suggests he could be a key player, providing Allegri with a crucial offensive option. His potential return could inject much-needed dynamism into the team’s attack, which has at times struggled for consistency. The medical staff will undoubtedly be monitoring his progress closely, aiming to ensure he is fully fit and ready to contribute.
Gabbia’s Setback: Defensive Concerns Linger
Conversely, the news regarding Matteo Gabbia is less optimistic. His recovery from injury is proving more challenging than anticipated, making his participation against Verona highly improbable. This setback further complicates Allegri’s defensive options, potentially forcing adjustments to the backline. The focus for Gabbia now shifts to the Cagliari fixture, allowing him more time to regain full fitness and avoid any premature returns that could exacerbate his injury.
Milan’s Transfer Strategy: A Balancing Act
The pursuit of Niclas Füllkrug, while seemingly a positive step, simultaneously highlights the delicate financial tightrope Milan is walking. The reliance on loan deals with options to buy, rather than outright purchases, suggests a cautious approach to the transfer market. This strategy, while prudent in the short term, raises questions about the club’s long-term ambitions and its ability to compete for top-tier talent without significant player sales. The mention of Nkunku’s potential sale as a prerequisite for further significant investment underscores these financial realities.
The Perth Controversy: Beyond a Simple Fixture
The debate surrounding the Milan-Como match in Perth extends beyond mere logistics; it touches upon the very essence of football’s traditions and the priorities of governing bodies. The insistence on playing such a match abroad, particularly when domestic venues are available, raises eyebrows among fans and critics alike. The delay in official confirmation from FIFA further compounds the frustration, underscoring a lack of decisive leadership and potentially impacting both clubs’ pre-season preparations. The comparison to the Villarreal-Barcelona cancellation serves as a cautionary tale, suggesting that grand international plans can quickly unravel without clear and timely approvals.
Conclusion: A Club at a Crossroads
As Milan navigates the immediate challenges of player fitness and upcoming fixtures, the broader strategic questions loom large. The club’s transfer policy, influenced heavily by financial constraints, and the controversial international fixture in Perth, reflect a period of transition and re-evaluation. The return of key players like Leao offers immediate relief, but the long-term vision for Milan, both on and off the pitch, remains a subject of intense scrutiny and debate. The coming weeks and months will undoubtedly be crucial in shaping the club’s trajectory and defining its identity in the modern football landscape.
