AC Milan is currently navigating a dynamic period, marked by crucial contract negotiations, a new tactical philosophy, and significant changes within its corporate structure. The club’s strong start to the Serie A season provides a positive backdrop to these developments.
Key Player Contract Discussions and Tactical Shifts
AC Milan is reportedly in discussions to extend the contracts of two pivotal players, Christian Pulisic and Strahinja Pavlović, until 2031. These rumored extensions, reported by [1], underscore the club’s commitment to securing its key talent for the long term. Pavlović, in particular, has been a cornerstone of the team, featuring in every minute of every match this season, a testament to his fitness and importance. Pulisic’s resurgence in form has been a notable highlight, with his recent goal ending a 266-day drought in Serie A. His improved performance is attributed to Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, which grants him a free role between midfield and attack. This tactical adjustment has allowed Pulisic to contribute to a goal in consecutive Serie A matches for the first time since late 2025, as noted by [2]. In this system, players like Adrien Rabiot and Luka Modrić are expected to operate as holding midfielders, providing a stable base for Pulisic’s attacking freedom.
Boardroom Changes and Refereeing Trends
Off the pitch, AC Milan has seen significant changes in its corporate leadership. Giorgio Furlani has officially departed from Milan’s board, a move that is part of a broader reshuffling of directors following a disappointing end to the previous season, as confirmed by [3]. This restructuring aims to set a new direction for the club’s management. Meanwhile, Serie A itself is experiencing a shift in refereeing philosophy. There has been only one On-Field Review via VAR in Serie A this season, indicating a more lenient approach to fouls and VAR interventions. This change, highlighted by [4], aims to improve the flow and spectacle of the game. However, this new approach has not been without its challenges, with referee designator Daniele Orsato admitting to five significant refereeing and VAR errors in the current season, affecting several prominent clubs, including Milan, as reported by [5].
What it means
AC Milan currently sits in 5th place in Serie A, having accumulated 11 points from five matches. Their undefeated start to the season, with three wins and two draws, demonstrates a strong early performance. The team has scored 10 goals while conceding only 4, indicating a balanced attack and solid defense. Their recent form shows a consistent ability to secure points, with a dominant 3-0 home victory against US Lecce following two consecutive draws against SS Lazio and Juventus FC. This consistent form suggests that the team is adapting well to Ruben Amorim’s system and the contributions of key players like Pulisic and Pavlović. The next fixture for AC Milan is an away match against Atalanta BC, a challenging encounter that will test their resolve and tactical adjustments. A positive result in this match would further solidify their position in the top tier of the league and build momentum for the remainder of the season.
Sources
- Football Italia: Milan close in on Pulisic and Pavlovic renewals until 2031 football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Adani: ‘Pulisic’s happiness is fundamental for Milan’ football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Furlani officially departs Milan with new look directors in place football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Statistics show Serie A referees and VAR letting play flow in 2026/27 football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Orsato admission of five referee and VAR errors so far in 2026/27 season football-italia.net ↩
