Can AC Milan Reclaim the Serie A Throne? A 2024/25 Title Race ...

AC Milan fans have grown increasingly frustrated as they've watched their fiercest rivals collect trophies, while Milan’s once-glorious cabinet remains sparse. However, recent seasons have sparked renewed hope at the San Siro. After lifting the Scudetto in 2022, the Rossoneri followed it with back-to-back top-four finishes, including a second place in 2024.

With Paulo Fonseca now leading the team, Milan is determined to close the gap on Inter and mount a serious challenge for the Serie A crown. Sportsbooks, though, aren’t fully convinced yet—AC Milan is currently listed at +650 odds to win the 2024/25 Serie A title, placing them behind Napoli, the favorites at +400.

Fans eager to bet on Milan’s chances can take advantage of offers like the bet365 promotional code as the new season kicks off. Will this finally be the season Milan climbs back to the top?

Fonseca at the Wheel: A New Era Begins

Fonseca's arrival has injected fresh optimism into the Milan camp. The Portuguese manager has a mixed track record in Italy, leading Roma to a 5th and 7th place finish during his time there. More recently, his work at Lille, where he secured back-to-back top-four finishes in Ligue 1, has many believing that Milan’s ambitious project can flourish under his leadership. 

One key challenge for the new boss is restoring defensive solidity. In 2023/24, Milan conceded far too often in crucial matches, dropping points where they could have stayed in contention for the title. 

With key players like Fikayo Tomori, Pierre Kalulu, and Malick Thiaw, Fonseca will have a solid foundation. But it’s clear Milan must find the defensive cohesion that helped them secure the Scudetto in 2022 if they want to dethrone Inter.

Transfers and Strengthening the Squad

Milan’s transfer window has been fairly active, with Alvaro Morata being the standout addition. The Spanish striker, fresh from winning Euro 2024 with Spain, brings proven quality up front. Over the past five seasons, he has averaged 17 goals per season and netted 21 times for Atlético Madrid last year. His experience will be crucial, especially with Olivier Giroud leaving after scoring 15 goals in 2023/24. 

The club strengthened its defense by signing Serbian center-back Strahinja Pavlović from RB Salzburg and Brazilian right-back Emerson Royal from Tottenham. These additions should help Fonseca tighten up Milan’s defense, which will be essential if they hope to challenge the title.

Key Players: The Pillars of Milan's Campaign

Milan’s hopes will largely rest on the performances of its two star players: Rafael Leão and Theo Hernández. Leão, now in his fifth season at Milan, is coming off another strong year, scoring 15 goals and providing 8 assists in Serie A. He is one of the league’s most dangerous forwards because of his electric pace and skill, and with Morata now providing more support, Leão could take his game to the next level.

Theo Hernández, one of the top left-backs in Europe, is equally important to Milan’s chances. The partnership between Hernández and Leão on the left wing has been a key feature of Milan’s success in recent years, and they will be central to the team’s chances in the 2024/25 campaign.

Can Morata Deliver?

The departure of Olivier Giroud leaves Milan without one of their key contributors from last season. The 37-year-old forward scored 15 goals and assisted 8 more, despite often coming off the bench. Morata will be expected to match or even surpass those numbers if Milan are to have a serious shot at the title. 

While Giroud’s experience and leadership will be missed, Morata’s movement and goal-scoring ability should help Milan stay competitive. Luka Jović Christian Pulišić, and young talents like Noah Okafor offer more attacking depth, giving Milan options throughout the long season.

Summary

AC Milan’s ambitions of reclaiming the Scudetto rest on a delicate balance of squad depth, new arrivals, and key players performing at their peak. Fonseca’s challenge will be blending these elements into a cohesive unit capable of winning week in, and week out. 

However, Milan has strengthened in key areas. Morata’s arrival could prove to be the spark needed in attack, and with Rafael Leão and Theo Hernández, they possess match-winners capable of turning any game in their favor. 

Alvaro Morata and Paulo Fonseca are in action during the Trofeo Berlusconi match between AC Milan and AC Monza at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milano, Italy, on August 13, 2024. (Photo by Mairo Cinquetti/NurPhoto via Getty Images)