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Calcio Debate: Milan Need To Start Spending, Or They Will Win Nothing Next Season
With the Rossoneri being so quiet this summer, Adam Scime sees them falling significantly adrift of their main competitors...
| Bet: | Returns: | Bologna £57.50 | Draw £36.00 | Juventus £16.15 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Bologna £55.00 | Draw £35.00 | Juventus £16.70 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Bologna £55.00 | Draw £34.00 | Juventus £16.67 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Bologna £65.00 | Draw £36.00 | Juventus £15.70 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Bologna £52.00 | Draw £34.50 | Juventus £16.20 |
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Jul 10, 2009 1:00:04 PM
Italian champions Inter have had an effective transfer campaign this summer. They brought in two Genoa stars in Diego Milito and Thiago Motta to add depth and strength to their squad, while getting rid of some dead weight like Luis Jimenez and Julio Cruz.
Meanwhile, Juventus are looking to correct their mistakes from last year, signing highly-touted playmaker Diego, veteran centre-back Fabio Cannavaro, and are on the verge of a major coup in Fiorentina and Brazil star Felipe Melo.
What have the other giant in Italy, AC Milan, done you might ask? It seems they've only been taking steps backwards.
Where is Everybody Going?
The end of last season already saw the retirement of the legendary Paolo Maldini and long-time coach Carlo Ancelotti depart for the ambitious Chelsea, followed by their star midfielder, Kaka, being sold to Real Madrid for a huge amount of money - €68.5 million.
The problem is, it seems Milan have no intention of creating a squad that is competitive enough to contend on all fronts, despite their main voices in owner Sivilo Berlusconi and vice-president Adriano Galliani repeating ad nauseum that the club already is competitive.
Really? The last two seasons they have finished fifth and third in Serie A respectively and not made a dent in Europe - and now they have lost their Brazilian talisman, their best player.
Losing Their Touch
The sole moves of note have been acquiring United States international defender Oguchi Onyewu and bringing back Italy Under-21 substitute Ignazio Abete from his loan spell - neither of which have the capacity to contribute on a more than inconsistent basis.
The club's transfer campaigns of the past used to be dazzling. They spotted and snapped up the potential of Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf, Kaka, Cafu, and a few more when others were afraid to take the chance - now Milan look like they are the ones that are horrified.
Porto left-back Aly Cissokho was a step in the right direction, but apparently his dental work isn't up to scratch, resulting in a failed medical. Now, Milan are most commonly mentioned alongside Confederations Cup hero Luis Fabiano, but it can be argued even his acquisition will not be enough to see them match the Nerazzurri or Bianconeri.
Reinforcements Needed
Expecting Milan to find someone on the level of Kaka is unlikely, but if they believe the Sevilla striker will have the same influence as one of history's most expensive players they are sadly mistaken.
The fans seem to agree, protesting the club's meagre transfer operations in public. The truth is, Fabiano is only one step (should his transfer go through), but they need to climb the stairs even higher to reach their rivals by bringing in two more quality signings, preferably Cissokho and a proven midfielder who can add some spark to the side.
One can make an argument for Ronaldinho, but his best days are behind him and there is little to no chance he will carry the mantle like Kaka did, and relying on the former Barcelona man would be a gamble.
The budget may be balanced right now but, nonetheless, have you ever heard the saying 'it takes money to make money'?
Milan fans should continue to protest the lack of dealings, otherwise they can prepare themselves for another trophyless campaign.
Will Milan be able to put together a competitive side? Who should they acquire? Do they have what it takes to match Inter and Juventus? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think...
Adam Scime, Goal.com
Meanwhile, Juventus are looking to correct their mistakes from last year, signing highly-touted playmaker Diego, veteran centre-back Fabio Cannavaro, and are on the verge of a major coup in Fiorentina and Brazil star Felipe Melo.
What have the other giant in Italy, AC Milan, done you might ask? It seems they've only been taking steps backwards.
Where is Everybody Going?
The end of last season already saw the retirement of the legendary Paolo Maldini and long-time coach Carlo Ancelotti depart for the ambitious Chelsea, followed by their star midfielder, Kaka, being sold to Real Madrid for a huge amount of money - €68.5 million.
The problem is, it seems Milan have no intention of creating a squad that is competitive enough to contend on all fronts, despite their main voices in owner Sivilo Berlusconi and vice-president Adriano Galliani repeating ad nauseum that the club already is competitive.
Really? The last two seasons they have finished fifth and third in Serie A respectively and not made a dent in Europe - and now they have lost their Brazilian talisman, their best player.
Losing Their Touch
The sole moves of note have been acquiring United States international defender Oguchi Onyewu and bringing back Italy Under-21 substitute Ignazio Abete from his loan spell - neither of which have the capacity to contribute on a more than inconsistent basis.
The club's transfer campaigns of the past used to be dazzling. They spotted and snapped up the potential of Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf, Kaka, Cafu, and a few more when others were afraid to take the chance - now Milan look like they are the ones that are horrified.
Porto left-back Aly Cissokho was a step in the right direction, but apparently his dental work isn't up to scratch, resulting in a failed medical. Now, Milan are most commonly mentioned alongside Confederations Cup hero Luis Fabiano, but it can be argued even his acquisition will not be enough to see them match the Nerazzurri or Bianconeri.
Reinforcements Needed
Expecting Milan to find someone on the level of Kaka is unlikely, but if they believe the Sevilla striker will have the same influence as one of history's most expensive players they are sadly mistaken.
The fans seem to agree, protesting the club's meagre transfer operations in public. The truth is, Fabiano is only one step (should his transfer go through), but they need to climb the stairs even higher to reach their rivals by bringing in two more quality signings, preferably Cissokho and a proven midfielder who can add some spark to the side.
One can make an argument for Ronaldinho, but his best days are behind him and there is little to no chance he will carry the mantle like Kaka did, and relying on the former Barcelona man would be a gamble.
The budget may be balanced right now but, nonetheless, have you ever heard the saying 'it takes money to make money'?
Milan fans should continue to protest the lack of dealings, otherwise they can prepare themselves for another trophyless campaign.
Will Milan be able to put together a competitive side? Who should they acquire? Do they have what it takes to match Inter and Juventus? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think...
Adam Scime, Goal.com
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