AC Milan 2020/21 Season Preview: Strengths, Weaknesses, Key Man and Predictions
By George Cannon
It's been nine long years since AC Milan - one of Italy's most prestigious and successful clubs - got their hands on any silverware, but the good times could be on their way back.
20-year-old wonderkid Sandro Tonali is all but confirmed as a Rossoneri player, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic recently signed an extension to his contract. A sixth-placed finish last time out means European football returns to the red half of San Siro and a Champions League push should be on the cards this time around.
Could the 2020/21 season be the year Milan finally return to the continent's elite competition? Here's all you need to know about their upcoming campaign.
Strengths
For years Milan suffered due to poor planning and terrible transfer activity. Several managers were burdened with ageing squads who were well past their prime, but that is no longer the case at San Siro.
Gianluigi Donnarumma leads a collection of stars aged under 22 who possess the potential to be world class. Tonali will come in alongside the likes of Theo Hernandez, Ismael Bennacer and Rafael Leao.
But more than just promising youth, there is a real balance to Stefano Pioli's side. There's a blend of stars in their prime and ones with a few more years of experience to guide their young starlets through the season.
Weaknesses
Although Milan have a good selection of strikers, none of them are overly prolific. Ante Rebic was their top scorer last season but only managed 12 goals in all competitions. That will have to be improved upon if they are to better last season's position.
The Rossoneri have struggled to find a regular goalscorer in recent years, with players such as Andre Silva, Krzysztof Piatek, Nikola Kalinic and Gonzalo Higuain arriving with big reputations but failing to make the desired impact.
Rebic is naturally more of a second striker or winger and with Ibrahimovic and Leao at opposite ends of their careers, a natural striker in his prime would be of huge benefit to Milan.
Key Man
Despite being 38 years old, Ibrahimovic will be critical to Milan's success this season. He's just put pen to paper on a new one-year deal at San Siro after returning to Italy in January following a stint with LA Galaxy in America.
The veteran Swede bagged an impressive 11 strikes in just 20 appearances for the side he previously led to a Scudetto but with so many young players in the squad, it's more than just his composure in front of goal that he brings to the side.
With several teammates around him lacking experience at the highest level, Ibrahimovic will be the leader on the pitch but also off it and his presence could make all the difference for Milan.
Predictions
Milan have won the European Cup seven times throughout their history but they haven't graced the Champions League since 2013/14. Securing a place in the top four and ensuring a return to Europe's top table will be the priority this season.
The signing of Tonali could be a watershed moment for the famous black and red stripes of Milan, not least as they have snatched him from under the noses of their fiercest rivals, but Serie A will be extremely competitive next year.
Juventus, Atalanta, Inter, Lazio, Napoli and Roma will all harbour realistic ambitions to finish in those illustrious European places at the top of the table, but if Milan can add goals to their squad and get the best out of their promising prodigies then a fourth-placed finish should be theirs.
Prediction: Champions League Qualification