Milan arrive at the international break in a position of cautious optimism, sitting fourth in Serie A with 24 points from 11 games, five points off the top. The 2-1 win at Genoa last weekend steadied the ship after a damaging Europa League defeat to Ferencvaros, and statistically it represents the club's best start to a league season in four years. Alphadjo Cisse and Christian Pulisic scored inside 20 minutes at the Ferraris, and while Ellertsson pulled one back late on, Ruben Amorim's side held firm.

The injury situation remains a serious concern. Matteo Gabbia faces three to four months out with a hamstring injury, while Alexis Saelemaekers and Samuel Chukwueze are not expected back before February following surgery. Strahinja Pavlovic and Fikayo Tomori are also sidelined, though both could return by late November. The defensive depth has been stretched to its limits, and Amorim has had to improvise repeatedly at the back.

That context makes January business critical. The club is actively pursuing a striker, with Club Brugge's Nicolò Tresoldi the primary target at around 60 million euros, and Real Madrid's Endrick a secondary option. Francesco Camarda, given so little game time this season, is expected to leave on loan. Off the pitch, RedBird launched Milan Sports and Entertainment, a new holding company with ambitions stretching from a potential NBA Europe franchise to stadium hospitality, signalling the ownership's long-term commitment to the club. Milan host Frosinone next on November 22.