Defending Champions and installed as favourites to retain their title, much was expected of AC Milan this season. However, little was changed with regards to their ageing squad except what turned out to a monumental blunder in letting Andrea Pirlo join Juventus.
Max Allegri went for aggression over artistry in the hub of his midfield relying on old warhorses like Massimo Ambrosini and Mark Van Bommel whilst sticking with the 4-3-1-2 system which was so Pirlo-centric. Antonio Nocerino was a successful signing who admirably filled the void left by Gennaro Gattuso's health issues. Injuries were a problem for Milan throughout the season. Antonio Cassano missed most of it with a heart problem whilst Alexandre Pato was never off the treatment table. Zlatan Ibrahimovic remained the one constant, talismanic figure in attack with the ability to change a game in the blink of an eye, ending the season as Serie A's leading scorer. Unfortunately his partners weren't quite up to scratch. Robinho full of tricks but little end product and although promising, Stephan El Shaarawy wasn't quite ready to take the mantle. Kevin-Prince Boateng proved he was the real deal but wasn't always fit. The defence was solid but not as hard to breach as Juventus'.
After a poor start to the season which only brought one win from their first five games, The Rossoneri went on a long unbeaten streak which was ended by Inter in January. However, Juve's stuttering form in February and March gave Allegri's men control again, yet they were the ones to blink first during the run-in with poor home results against Fiorentina and Bologna. Painfully for Milan, their season will be remembered by others for their two derby defeats to Inter, especially the 4-2 humbling which clinched the title for Juventus. Nevertheless, Milan supporters will point to the "ghost goal" from Sulley Muntari against the Bianconeri as a turning point in their campaign. In the end though, they were second best to an unbeaten Juve side who seemed to want it more.
Wholesale changes are expected at the San Siro over the summer with several of the old guard set to leave. The dawning of a new area could be imminent.
