AC Milan predicted lineup for Serie A 2024-25 season

The Rossoneri will want to end their barren run of trophies since 2022.

AC Milan trailed city rivals Inter Milan by a good 19 points as the Nerazzuri ran away with the Serie A 2023-24 title. After winning the Serie A 2021-22, Napoli’s dominating run had thrown Stefano Pioli’s men off the perch in the 2022-23 season with Gli Azzurri clinching the title. 

After another successive season without any silverware, Milan’s management decided a change of air was needed. They appointed Paulo Fonseca to replace the outgoing Pioli. The Portuguese tactician has been busy in the transfer window this season to reorganise the squad and fill in the gaps left by linchpins like Olivier Giroud and Simon Kjaer.

UEFA Euro 2024 winner Alvaro Morata has been brought in and so has Tottenham Hotspurs’ out-of-favour fullback Emerson Royal. Here’s what could be AC Milan’s predicted lineup for Serie A 2024-25:

AC Milan Predicted Formation (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan

The sensational French shot-stopper missed a good 47 days last season due to various injuries but will be back in contention for the number-one spot. Even then Maignan managed an impressive 10 clean sheets, turning into a wall at the back whenever called upon. Apart from saving 77.5% of the shots he faced, the keeper’s primary attribute was aerial dominance in his box as he ranked in the 94th percentile for crosses stopped. 

Right-Back: Emerson Royal 

With Pedro Porro’s lightning impact, Emerson Royal knew he had to look for greener pastures that would suit his profile. AC Milan can use the defensively solid yet adventurous Selecao defender who scored once in 22 starts for Spurs last season. Emerson is a no-nonsense defender who averaged 3.87 clearances per 90. His progressive proficiency can be a good match for Theo Hernandez on the other flank.

Centre-Back: Malick Thiaw

The 23-year-old German has earned a place in the Rossoneri starting lineup slowly but surely. Thiaw has not had outstanding returns when it comes to numbers but the youngster has been learning and patiently developing. So far his 48% tackle completion rate states that he has been playing on the back foot. But with more responsibility than ever before, Serie A 2024-25 might just be his breakthrough season.  

Centre-Back: Fikayo Tomori

Fikayo Tomori has grown in leaps and bounds ever since he came to Milan on loan as a pacy young Chelsea defender who was out to make a mark. The England international won the Serie A in his first season as a permanent signing. He has made a name for himself as someone who can go toe-to-toe with the fastest of wingers and strikers

As the eldest of the centre-halves in the squad, the time has come for the defender to lead from the back like he did last season with a 62.1% tackle-win rate and four goals from set-pieces.  

Left-Back: Theo Hernandez 

Probably Serie A’s best left-back for the past few seasons, Theo Hernandez will no doubt start for Milan this season. The Frenchman’s blistering pace and dauntless tendency to go on the offence, cut inside and score proved to be vital for his side once again. He notched five goals and four assists.

Hernandez is one of the best ball-carrying fullbacks in the world. He can be tasked with taking underlaps as well as overlaps, granting Fonseca’s side an edge.

Central Defensive Midfielder: Youssouf Fofana

After Seko Fofana, former AS Monaco’s combative box-to-box midfielder Youssouf Fofana adds to the list of all-round midfield machines with his namesake. The Frenchman registered four goals and four assists in the Ligue 1 2023-24. But it was his progressive passing (8.46 per 90 minutes), successful take-ons (1.31 per 90) and interceptive capabilities (1.28 interceptions per 90) that prompted Fonseca to order a swoop for him.

At Milan, he will be readily able to perform in the hybrid number six and number eight roles required of him.

Central Defensive Midfielder: Ismael Bennacer 

Despite his diminutive stature, Ismael Bennacer has made himself the defensive fulcrum of the midfield. Trusted by Pioli more often than not, the Algerian playmaker has honed his skills when it comes to pulling strings from the deep. Be it switching out balls to either flanks or making late runs to bang in goals Bennacer can be relied on. He managed two goals and two assists last season but can come in handy this time out as well.

Right Midfielder: Christian Pulisic

The USA star has been one of Milan’s most proficient attackers since joining from Chelsea at the start of last season. Pulisic took the Serie A by storm, notching 12 goals and eight assists for AC Milan in the league. The winger’s pace and direct attacking threat has been an unconventional weapon for the Rossoneri. This is especially true since he played in an unfamiliar right-wing role to accommodate the lethal Leao on the opposite flank.      

Central Attacking Midfielder: Ruben Loftus-Cheek 

Loftus-Cheek can be expected to play in an advanced number eight role as the Serie A’s physicality prevents out-and-out attacking midfielders from flourishing. Another Chelsea graduate, the English midfielder has found his feet after a lack of game time and trouble fulfilling his potential with the Blues. He scored six goals and assisted one while playing in an advanced role last season. His quick feet and towering stature helped him out of sticky situations and progress play. 

Left Midfielder: Rafael Leao

While he might have underperformed in comparison to his previous seasons’ tally, Leao can be as lethal as ever for Milan this season. At 6’2”, the Portuguese wing-wizard can bully opponents and leave them scrambling for breath. Leao scored nine goals and assisted nine more. His fearless take-ons and laser-guided shooting will be more than enough for Serie A defenders to handle once more this season.

Striker: Alvaro Morata

The UEFA Euro 2024 winner has proven himself in the Serie A before, winning the league with Juventus in 2014-15 and 2015-16. He is guaranteed to be a pivotal player for Fonseca. Morata has a seasoned record as he has won a title with almost every side he has played for. The Spanish hitman scored 15 times for Atletico Madrid last season and assisted three goals before helping Spain on their way to the Euro trophy. 

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