AC Milan Season Review 2026: The Autopsy of a Collapse

The Tactical Flaws That Exposed AC Milan All Season

AC Milan entered the 2025-26 season with ambitions of challenging for the Serie A title, but their rigid 4-2-3-1 formation quickly became their Achilles’ heel. Stefano Pioli’s system lacked fluidity, relying too heavily on individual brilliance rather than coordinated pressing or positional rotation. The midfield, anchored by Tijjani Reijnders and Rade Krunic, failed to control tempo, leaving the defense exposed against high-pressing sides like Inter and Atalanta.

When Bennacer suffered a season-ending injury in January 2026, Milan had no true successor. Their average possession dropped to 48.2% in key matches, and they ranked last among top-10 Serie A teams in progressive passes from midfield. The full-backs, particularly Calabria and Theo Hernández, were constantly overworked, creating dangerous counter-attacking lanes. Milan conceded 1.8 expected goals per game after matchday 20 — a damning indicator of systemic vulnerability.

"Milan aren’t just underperforming — they’re tactically outdated. They’re being played through like a training drill." — Serie A analyst, DAZN

Recruitment Disasters: The Signings That Flopped

The summer of 2025 was supposed to strengthen Milan’s depth, but instead delivered costly misfires. Jonathan David’s 35-million-euro move from Lille was meant to solve their striker issues, but he managed just 4 goals in 28 appearances. His movement didn’t align with Pioli’s direct transitions, and he was often isolated up front. Renato Sanches’ loan from PSG was another disaster — limited to 11 games due to recurring muscular issues, failing to provide the midfield dynamism promised.

Meanwhile, the club neglected defensive reinforcements. Fikayo Tomori played 42 matches, often while fatigued, and Malick Thiaw showed clear limitations against elite forwards. The failure to sign a left-footed center-back or a proper backup goalkeeper — Mike Maignan’s injury in March left them with Antonio Mirante, 39, as starter — exposed a lack of foresight in squad planning.

Is the Manager to Blame? The Case For and Against

Stefano Pioli’s tenure, once celebrated for ending Milan’s trophy drought, now faces existential scrutiny. His reluctance to evolve tactically — persisting with outdated positional structures and failing to integrate youth — has drawn fierce criticism. He used only two players under 21 in more than 10 league games: Camarda and Saelema Ekong. Contrast that with Napoli or Bologna, who blended youth and experience seamlessly.

Yet Pioli isn’t solely responsible. The sporting director duo of Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara failed to build a balanced squad. Their transfer strategy prioritized name recognition over tactical fit. The lack of a long-term vision — especially post-Zlatan — has left Milan in limbo. The collapse isn’t just managerial; it’s institutional. The club’s infrastructure, from scouting to fitness, appears outdated compared to rivals.

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

To avoid a second consecutive season of decline, Milan must act decisively. First: overhaul the tactical philosophy. A shift to a 4-3-3 with a double pivot could provide better defensive cover and midfield control. Second: reset the squad through ruthless transfers. David, Sanches, and Krunic should be moved on. Third: appoint a modern, tactically progressive manager — names like Thiago Motta or Xavi Simons’ former coach at PSV are being floated.

Remaining in Serie A’s top four is no longer guaranteed. Without radical change, Milan risks becoming a mid-table club with a glorious past but no future. The era of relying on legacy is over. AC Milan season review 2026 isn’t just an assessment — it’s a warning.

• Milan’s 4-2-3-1 became predictable and was exploited by pressing teams
• Jonathan David and Renato Sanches were major transfer failures
• Pioli’s future is in serious doubt despite contract until 2027
• A complete structural reset is needed in summer 2026

FAQ

Q: Will AC Milan sack their manager?

A: Pioli remains in charge as of April 2026, but his position is under intense review. A failure to qualify for the Champions League or a cup exit could trigger dismissal.

Q: Who should AC Milan sign in summer 2026?

A: Priority targets should include a regista (e.g. Aurélien Tchouaméni), a creative winger (e.g. Jérémy Doku), and a left-footed center-back (e.g. Gvardiol). A prolific striker is also essential.

Q: Why is AC Milan playing so badly?

A: The issues are systemic — outdated tactics, poor recruitment, lack of squad depth, and failure to adapt. The team lacks identity, speed, and tactical intelligence against top sides.