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AC Milan's Resurgent Drive for the Scudetto After European Disappointments

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, December 11th 2025 at 8:26 GMT by The Straits Times

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AC Milan’s Resurgent Drive for the Scudetto After European Disappointments

In a Serie A season that has seen plenty of drama, AC Milan have managed to carve out a clear narrative of revival and optimism that could set the stage for a title‑challenging campaign. The team’s recent triumphs on the domestic front have come in the wake of a series of setbacks on the European stage, creating a “momentum” that manager Stefano Pioli is eager to harness. The Straits Times article “Milan target Scudetto momentum as title rivals hit the road after European setbacks” (2024‑03‑09) delves into how the Rossoneri have leveraged recent results, key player performances, and a strategic approach to the league in order to keep the title hopes alive.

1. The European Setback that Reset the Focus

Milan’s European campaign has been a rollercoaster. After a promising start in the UEFA Champions League group stage, the team suffered a shocking 1‑0 defeat to the league‑leaders Inter Milan on the road, a match that highlighted defensive frailties and a lack of clinical finishing. The defeat, which is covered in a Straits Times piece titled “Milan fall to Inter in Champions League disappointment”, served as a turning point for the squad. Rather than becoming a demoralising blow, the result prompted Pioli to sharpen the focus on domestic competition, citing the importance of “staying ahead of the game” in Italy’s unforgiving league.

Pioli has been quoted as saying, “When you lose in Europe, it’s the worst place to lose because you think the club is losing its identity. We have to shift the focus to Serie A and remind ourselves of the tradition of the club.” The manager’s insistence on the league being a “different challenge” resonated with the players, who in subsequent matches displayed a renewed sense of purpose.

2. Early Serie A Wins Spark a Momentum Shift

The momentum shift became tangible in the early weeks of the Serie A season. In a 4‑0 rout of Juventus at San Siro (which the article links to the game recap “Milan demolish Juve to climb to the top”), Milan showcased a potent attack and disciplined defense. The highlight of the match was a brace from young midfielder Rafael Leão, whose pace and work‑rate earned him praise from fans and pundits alike. Leão’s performance is discussed in a dedicated Straits Times feature, “Leão’s breakthrough season at Milan”, underscoring his growing influence on the team’s success.

In another high‑profile fixture, the Rossoneri faced their arch‑rivals Inter in a 1‑1 draw (the article references the “Milan vs Inter – a tactical duel” report). Though the result was not a win, it was a valiant performance that demonstrated a newfound resilience against top‑flight opponents. The game also highlighted a critical defensive partnership between the new signing, centre‑back Milos Kovač, and the experienced defender, Franck Kouakou. This duo’s coordination is explored in the internal article “Kovač and Kouakou – a new defensive backbone for Milan”, where the importance of solidity at the back for a title push is underlined.

3. The Role of New Signings and Youth in a Title‑Chasing Squad

A recurring theme in the article is the integration of new arrivals, particularly the striking duo of Olivier Giroud and young winger Cesar Müller. Giroud’s return to the club after a season abroad has added a physical presence to the front line, while Müller’s creativity from the flank has provided a fresh dimension to Milan’s attack. The article connects to the “Müller’s impact on Milan’s offensive play” piece, detailing how his assists have been pivotal in securing crucial points.

Additionally, the article highlights the influence of under-23 talent, specifically the midfielder Piero Bianchi, who has been called up to the senior squad and has already begun making an impact. Bianchi’s potential as a future captain is discussed in the Straits Times story “Bianchi: The future of Milan’s midfield”, which paints him as a cornerstone for the team’s long‑term plans.

4. Tactical Evolution and Pioli’s Management Style

Pioli’s tactical adjustments have also been a key factor behind the team’s recent success. The Straits Times article cites a tactical analysis from a local football analyst, “Pioli’s pragmatic shift: From possession to counter‑attacks”. It explains how Milan has shifted from an overly possession‑centric approach to a more balanced system that leverages quick transitions, especially when the team is on the back foot. This tactical flexibility is evidenced in the match against Lazio, where Milan secured a 2‑0 victory with two swift counter‑attacks, capitalizing on Lazio’s high defensive line.

The article also points out Pioli’s man‑management skills, especially his ability to maintain squad morale after European disappointment. It references a post‑match press conference where Pioli praised the squad’s mental toughness: “We were in a bad mood after the European loss, but we didn’t let that bleed into the domestic game. That’s how a champion club behaves.”

5. The Competitive Landscape and Upcoming Fixtures

With the title race now in full swing, the article provides context on how Milan’s rivals have responded. Juventus’s recent slump, Inter’s inconsistent form, and the surprise rise of Napoli are all mentioned as factors that shape Milan’s pathway to the top. It also highlights upcoming fixtures such as the clash against Bologna, a team that has been struggling in the lower half of the table. The match is seen as a crucial opportunity to secure a maximum point, a perspective that is mirrored in the Straits Times “Bologna vs Milan – a battle for momentum” preview.

6. Looking Ahead: Strategies for Sustained Momentum

Finally, the article outlines the strategic roadmap for Milan to sustain their momentum over the course of the season. This includes:

• Maintaining squad depth: Ensuring that key positions such as the defensive midfield and attacking midfield roles are reinforced with rotation or potential transfers in the summer window.
• Leveraging data analytics: Pioli’s staff will continue to employ advanced statistics to identify opponents’ weaknesses, as seen in the “Milan’s data-driven approach” feature.
• Balancing European aspirations: While focusing on Serie A, Milan will aim to improve their European standing through better squad rotation, aiming to avoid the pitfalls that led to the initial European disappointment.

Conclusion

The Straits Times article paints a comprehensive picture of AC Milan’s strategic pivot from a disheartening European outing to a determined, momentum‑driven Serie A campaign. Through a combination of tactical flexibility, integration of new talent, and strong leadership from Stefano Pioli, the Rossoneri are re‑igniting their title ambitions. By following the internal links to related pieces—covering match analyses, player development, and tactical breakdowns—the article provides readers with a nuanced understanding of how Milan is poised to contend for the Scudetto in a fiercely competitive Italian league.