AC Milan Season Review 2026: Autopsy of a Tactical and Strategic Collapse

The Tactical Flaws That Exposed AC Milan All Season

AC Milan’s 2025-26 season wasn’t derailed by bad luck — it was dismantled by tactical incoherence. Once celebrated for their fluid 4-2-3-1 structure, the Rossoneri abandoned their identity for a disjointed 3-5-2 that left defenders exposed and attackers isolated. The backline, led by Fikayo Tomori and Malick Thiaw, repeatedly failed to hold a high line, conceding 1.8 expected goals per game — the worst in the top half of Serie A. Worse, Milan’s pressing intensity ranked 14th in the league, allowing opponents to build from the back with ease.

The midfield, once the engine room under Pioli, became a no-man’s-land. Without a true ball-winning midfielder, the burden fell on Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Yacine Adli, neither of whom are natural destroyers. As a result, Milan lost 62% of duels in central areas during defeats to Atalanta and Bologna. The last time Milan finished outside the top six was in 2017 — now, they’re fighting for seventh.

"They’re not just losing games — they’re losing the plot," say tactical analysts.

Recruitment Disasters: The Signings That Flopped

The summer of 2025 was meant to strengthen Milan’s depth. Instead, it exposed a flawed recruitment model. Christian Pulisic, signed on a free, managed just 3 goals and 2 assists in 19 appearances before a hamstring injury ended his season in January. Renato Sanches, another free transfer, looked physically unprepared, averaging only 58 minutes per game. Samuel Chukwueze, expected to ignite the right flank, struggled with consistency, completing just 36% of his dribbles — a damning stat for a winger.

Meanwhile, the failure to sign a long-term replacement for Olivier Giroud — who, at 39, is no longer a 90-minute striker — left the attack toothless. The youth system hasn’t filled the gap: even promising talents like Francesco Camarda were rushed in without tactical preparation. Analysts suggest the club prioritised reputation over fit, a luxury they can no longer afford.

Is the Manager to Blame? The Case For and Against

Stefano Pioli, the architect of Milan’s 2022 Scudetto, now faces his toughest test. His rotating tactics — eight different starting XIs in the first 12 matches — suggest indecision. The switch to a back three destabilised the full-backs, with Theo Hernández often caught too high and Calabria exposed defensively. Critics argue that Pioli failed to adapt to Serie A’s evolving pace, where teams like Napoli and Inter now dominate transitions.

Yet, the defence isn’t solely his. Milan suffered over 800 injury days this season, one of the highest in Europe. Key players like Ismaël Bennacer and Pierre Kalulu missed large chunks. Some experts believe the club’s medical and conditioning staff share equal blame. Still, Pioli’s reluctance to innovate — sticking to outdated man-marking in set-pieces — makes him complicit in the collapse.

The 3 Things AC Milan Must Do This Summer or Risk Falling Further

To avoid a downward spiral, Milan must act decisively. First, appoint a new sporting director to overhaul recruitment — Paolo Maldini’s era of sentimental signings must end. Second, hire a modern, tactically flexible manager who can implement high pressing and positional play. Names like Thiago Motta or even a bold hire like Xavi Simons’ mentor are being floated. Third, conduct a ruthless squad audit: veterans like Giroud and Calabria should be phased out to make room for youth and athleticism.

• The last time Milan finished below 7th was in 2013-14, when they placed 8th.
• The club’s market value has dropped by approximately €150 million since summer 2025.
• Only two summer signings have a WhoScored rating above 6.8.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will AC Milan sack their manager?

A: Yes, it’s increasingly likely. Despite his past success, Stefano Pioli’s tactical rigidity and poor results have eroded board confidence. With owner Gerry Cardinale demanding accountability, a managerial change is expected post-season.

Q: Who should AC Milan sign in summer 2026?

A: Milan needs a ball-winning midfielder (e.g. Manu Koné), a dynamic right winger (like Mykhailo Mudryk), and a young, left-footed centre-back. A long-term striker to replace Giroud is also essential — targets like Joshua Zirkzee or Giovanni Fabbian could fit.

Q: Why is AC Milan playing so badly?

A: The crisis is systemic: flawed recruitment, tactical inconsistency, poor injury management, and a lack of squad depth. It’s not just one issue — it’s the collapse of an entire footballing structure built on past glory rather than sustainable planning.