AC Milan's 2025-26 season has been a disaster. From tactical rigidity to failed signings, we dissect the systemic failures behind one of the club's worst campaigns in a decade.
AC Milan entered the 2025-26 season with Champions League ambitions, but by April 2026, they were fighting to avoid a relegation battle. The much-praised 4-2-3-1 formation became a liability, lacking both fluidity and defensive balance. The team averaged just 1.1 goals per game in Serie A, their lowest output since 2013. Without a true playmaker, the midfield trio of Yunus Musah, Rade Krunic, and Samu Castillejo failed to control tempo or break lines, often bypassed by more dynamic opponents.
Defensively, the backline was consistently exposed. Fikayo Tomori and Pierre Kalulu, once a promising central pairing, struggled with positioning and consistency. The team conceded 1.8 goals per match — a rate unsustainable for a top-tier club. Analysts noted that Milan lost over 65% of high-intensity duels in key areas, indicating a lack of aggression and tactical discipline. The full-backs, Davide Calabria and Theo Hernández, were often caught too high, leaving massive gaps for counter-attacks.
"Milan doesn’t know what it wants to be. They press half-heartedly, defend poorly, and attack without rhythm. It’s a system in crisis," said a Serie A tactical analyst in February 2026.
The summer 2025 transfer window was a missed opportunity. The departure of Brahim Díaz to Al-Hilal for €25 million left a creative void that was never filled. The club’s marquee signing, Christian Pulisic, underperformed with just 4 goals and 3 assists in 22 league appearances. Once a dynamic winger, Pulisic lacked pace and confidence, often disappearing in crucial moments.
January 2026 brought no relief. The loan of Marko Lazović from Red Star Belgrade yielded zero goals and minimal impact. The €30 million investment in João Félix was equally disappointing. Brought in to spark the attack, the Portuguese forward managed only 2 goals in 13 games, struggling to adapt to Pioli’s rigid system. Overall, Milan spent approximately €70 million on new talent with almost no return. The recruitment strategy, led by sporting director Paolo Maldini, has been widely criticized for lacking a coherent profile or long-term vision.
Stefano Pioli, in charge since 2022, is under immense pressure. At 59, his tactical approach appears outdated. He has stubbornly refused to adapt, sticking to a conservative 4-2-3-1 while the rest of Serie A embraces high pressing and positional fluidity. Under his leadership, Milan won just 4 of their last 18 league matches from December 2025 onward. Substitutions were often too late, and in-game adjustments were minimal.
Yet, Pioli did not choose the squad or control the injury crisis. Milan suffered over 15 long-term injuries, including Sandry Tonali’s ACL rupture. The club also faced internal instability, with ongoing rumors of a potential takeover. Some experts argue that firing Pioli would be a scapegoating move unless structural changes follow. The manager inherited a transitional squad and was never given the tools to rebuild properly.
To avoid long-term decline, AC Milan must act decisively. First, a complete overhaul of the sporting project is needed. Paolo Maldini’s era of recruitment must end, replaced by a data-driven, modern sporting director with a clear football philosophy.
Second, a new manager with a defined tactical identity must be appointed. Names like Thiago Motta, Thomas Tuchel, or even Roberto De Zerbi are being floated. Milan needs a coach who can implement high pressing, vertical transitions, and positional play — not a relic of the past.
Third, a squad reset is essential. At least six senior players should be moved on, making space for younger, hungrier talents. The club must also reinvest in its youth academy, which has produced little of note in recent years. Without these changes, Milan risks becoming a mid-table afterthought.
Q: Will AC Milan sack their manager?
A: Yes, multiple sources indicate that Stefano Pioli is likely to be dismissed if Milan fails to qualify for European competition.
Q: Who should AC Milan sign in summer 2026?
A: Targets like Benjamin Šeško (RB Leipzig), Orkun Kökçü (Benfica), and Renato Veiga (Chelsea) could bring energy, creativity, and modernity.
Q: Why is AC Milan playing so badly?
A: A combination of poor recruitment, tactical stagnation, injury crises, and weak in-game management has led to the club’s collapse this season.
