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According to Calciomercato.it, the great dream of the return of Ibrahimovic is becoming more and more complicated, and as a result the leadership are evaluating a number of different options.

The likes of Mario Mandzukic, Luka Jovic, Mariano Diaz and Olivier Giroud are all potential avenues to explore but may be equally difficult, either due to the salaries of the players involved or the fee the clubs would command.

The report adds though that the Diavolo could land Edinson Cavani with a ‘remarkable effort’, as the Uruguayan is no longer a first choice at PSG.

His contract expires at the end of the season with practically zero chance of a renewal at present, as the 32-year-old has the full intention of trying a new adventure.

Cavani wants to return to Serie A, the outlet states, but the Ligue 1 giants do not want to lose him just yet and have instead offered Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, a name which does not particularly excite the Milanese leadership.

Theo Hernandez and Ismael Bennacer are well ahead of the other four in terms of most minutes played for AC Milan among the six summer signings.

Rossoneri owners Elliott Management used the summer to launch their youth revolution at Milan, which focuses on signing young players with high potential and recording capital gains on the balance sheet.

The Rossoneri spent a substantial sum in the summer mercato on Hernandez, Rade Krunic, Bennacer, Rafael Leao, Leo Duarte and Ante Rebic – the oldest of whom is 25.

At the moment, Hernandez and Bennacer are the only new signings who are considered guaranteed starters – and even then it took them a few rounds to achieve that status.

The Frenchman recently passed 1000 minutes for the season, while his Algerian team-mate passed the 800 mark.

A great distance behind those two are Leao, Duarte and Krunic, while Rebic is in last place having made just one start for the Diavolo since arriving on deadline day from Eintracht Frankfurt.

Here are the totals for the six summer additions, as reported by MilanNews.it…

1. Theo Hernandez 1098 ‘
2. Bennacer 810′
3. Leao 558 ‘
4. Duarte 392′
5. Krunic 322 ‘
6. Rebic 177′

A C Milan have made their stance clear on midfielder Rade Krunic with a number of clubs interested in him, according to a report.
Krunic was one of six summer signings that the Rossoneri made, the second official one after Theo Hernandez but the first to be reported widespread by the media.

The 26-year-old On joined Milan in July for an undisclosed fee, and made his official debut for the club in a loss to Fiorentina on September 29.

Despite impressing in his appearances so far, Krunic has been unable to wrestle a starting spot from both Franck Kessie and Lucas Paqueta for the most part, having started just three out of 16 Serie A games.
This has led to suggestions in the media that he may be allowed to leave on loan in January, but
Calciomercato.com are reporting that Milan have made it abundantly clear that Krunic will be staying at the club past next month.
The report does state though that several teams are interested in the former Empoli man, with
Genoa being one of the sides linked .

Ismael Bennacer said he is “learning a lot” from Lucas Biglia and feels he's improving by “playing more” at #ACMilan. #SerieA
Bennacer: 'I learn from Biglia' | Football Italia footballitalia on Twitter

Sunday’s game against Atalanta could well be Ricardo Rodriguez’s farewell appearance in AC Milan colours, according to a report.

With the Swiss international having lost his regular spot in the starting line-up to summer signing Theo Hernandez, there has been speculation that he could look to leave in January.

The full-back told AZ that he is unhappy at not playing as much in a recent interview, while Swiss outlet RSI stated on Wednesday that Rodriguez is in fact ‘one step away’ from joining Fenerbahce.

However, the 27-year-old is set for a rare start on Sunday in Bergamo, as Hernandez is suspended for the crucial game against Atalanta.

According to Tuttosport – as cited by MilanNews.it – the game at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia could be Ricardo Rodriguez’s last game in the Rossoneri shirt.

The paper claims that the former Wolfsburg man is attracting interest from Serie A – namely Gennaro Gattuso’s Napoli – while in the Bundesliga Schalke 04 could be potential suitors, as could Fenerbahce.

Italian Serie A giants AC Milan are evaluating the names of two players to bolster the midfield department in the January transfer window, as per Tuttosport cited by Calciomercato.com.

The Milan-based club are going through a tough campaign on the domestic front where they are expecting at least one departure in the mid-season transfer window as midfielder Franck Kessié is likely to leave the club after attracting interest from number of outfits in Europe and especially from England.

As per the latest report, Milan’s hierarchy are evaluating the names Belgian club K.R.C Genk’s Sander Berge and Spanish La Liga outfit Celta Vigo’s Stanislav Lobotka to strengthen the midfield department for the rest of the campaign.

Berge has represented Genk in 27 matches in all competitions where he has managed to score four goals whereas Lobotka have represented Celta in 16 league matches in the ongoing campaign where he is yet to score or provide an assist.

Even though he has been at the club for almost one and a half year, it's still hard to label Samu Castillejo's role at AC Milan. The Spaniard is still struggling to make the final leap for a starting spot, despite the issues of Suso at the start of this season.



Under the guidance of Giampaolo, the winger played the first two games of the season from the first minute. However, since Pioli arrived, he hasn't exactly been used as much.

Not only because of his hamstring issues, but also because Pioli uses the 4-3-3 formation.



In the last two games, however, he has come on from the bench to replace Suso on the right flank, registering a total of 10 minutes. In other words, he is struggling to game consistent playing time with the Rossoneri.



In spite of this, as Calciomercato.com reports, Castillejo has let Milan know - through his agents - that he wants to stay at the club in January. As a result of this, all exit talks have been postponed until the summer, when the Rossoneri are ready for some changes.

AC Milan are ready to make a serious attempt to land Red Bull Salzburg sensation Erling Haaland, according to a report.

Alfredo Pedulla broke the news on Tuesday night that Milan have entered the Haaland sweepstakes, while Wednesday’s edition of il Corriere dello Sport (via Calciomercato.com) then confirmed Milan have indeed made enquiries with Mino Raiola about Haaland.

In addition, Calciomercato.com reporter Daniele Longo then stated that in the last few hours there have been contacts between the Rossoneri and Raiola for Haaland.

According to il Corriere dello Sport – as cited by MilanNews.it – Milan’s interest in the teenage striker is serious, and they are considering paying his €30million release clause due to the fact it increases significantly after January.

Paolo Maldini is readying a five-year contract worth €5.5million plus bonuses (€27.5m) for the player, but competition is tough.

The 19-year-old – who has netted 28 goals in 22 appearances this season – is apparently in England currently to discuss terms with Manchester United.

AC Milan midfielder Ismael Bennacer has insisted that he can do better despite his impressive showing since arriving in the summer.

Milan tied up a deal with Empoli for the Algeria international just before he went to the African Cup of Nations, winning the competition and being named Player of the Tournament in the process.

Bennacer has been in good form for Milan as well, having struggled to get starts at first under previous head coach Marco Giampaolo.

Many assumed that Stefano Pioli would prefer using Lucas Biglia in the regista position due to the fact the pair worked together at Lazio, but thus far the Argentine has been kept out by Bennacer.

Assessing his time at the club so far in an interview with Milan TV, the 22-year-old claims that there is room for improvement but that familiarity with his team-mates is growing every day.

“African Golden Ball? I’m happy to be among the ten candidates. I have to keep working to be on this list every year,” he said, via Calciomercato.com.

“I’m playing more now, I want to do very well. Now I know my team-mates better and those who work at Milanello.”

On his relationship with Lucas Biglia, he added: “I talk a lot with him, especially when I’m wrong. He’s helping me a lot and I’m learning so much from him. When you have friends like that, he’s always positive.

“I talk to everyone, we are a team and therefore I don’t make any difference. With some I obviously have more affinity, but I talk and laugh with everyone.

“I am learning so many things, I have more confidence now. I bring more ball when needed, otherwise I try to play as vertical as possible when I can. I can do even better.

“We have to give everything for the fans. I hope the game on Sunday will go well. We have to give everything even for the coach who is working hard, when things are not going well at the end the coach always pays.”

AC Milan have the worst net spend in Italy since 2010 as the decade draws to a close, a study has revealed.
The CIES Football Observatory (via MilanNews.it) have taken a look at Europe’s five major leagues and the teams constantly present in the from 2010 to 2019.
They have studied the budgets of the various clubs, providing the calculation of revenue generated from players sold minus the sum of money spent on signings.

At the top of the rankings are Lille, with a net gain of €250m over the last decade, while Manchester City are as expected at the bottom with almost €1.1billion spent. PSG with €900m and Manchester United at €832m are next on the list.
Surprisngly, Genoa are second in the rankings having a net gain of €193million in transfers since 2010, while Udinese are also one of the best performers as they are €168m in the green.
Looking at the rest of Italy, Fiorentina are almost in balance at €-1.8 million. while Lazio and Roma are €-56m and €-69m respectively.
Inter are €391m down, while Juventus are €414m in the red and Milan far the worst as they sit on €-439m.
Here are the interesting outcomes from Serie A…
Genoa: +193.3 (million euros)
Udinese: +168.3
Fiorentina: -1.8
Lazio: -56.0
Rome: -68.9
Inter: -391.1
Juventus: -413.7
Milan: -438.8

Juventus face Lazio in the Supercoppa on Sunday, but it could
reportedly change to a four-team format in the future.

On December 22, the second of five agreed Finals between the Coppa
Italia holders and Serie A winners will be played in Saudi Arabia.
The fixture will be a 17:45 GMT kick-off (19:45 local time) and will
be played at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh.

Now, the Italians and Arabs have allegedly started to negotiate a new
agreement after a successful start to their relationship.
And with regards to the new deal, the Corriere dello Sport claims the
format could be changed to give four teams the possibility to play for
the trophy.

That takes inspiration from how the Spanish Supercopa, as of this
season, will include two semi-finals and one Final.
The Spanish have negotiated a deal with the Arabs worth a total of
€30m, or €10m a game, when the two Finalists from the 2018-19 Copa
del Rey face the top two in La Liga.

Seeing as League winners Barcelona lost to Valencia in the Copa del
Rey Final last term, Real Madrid were given the final spot thanks to
their third-place finish in La Liga.

The Italian Super Cup currently generates €7.5m, but the report
states it is possible to get a similar deal to the Spanish through “in-
depth reflection” of the format.

AC Milan likely lineup Vs Atalanta:
Donnarumma, Rodriguez, Conti, Musacchio, Romagnoli.
In midfield, Bennacer, Bonaventura, Kessié.
In attack, Suso, Piatek and Calhanoglu.

AC Milan are closing in on the signing of Swiss starlet Becir Omeragic, according to the latest reports.
The FC Zurich central defender has already made 11 appearances this season in all competitions, and has established himself firmly in the Switzerland U19 national team.

According to Sky – as cited by Calciomercato.com – Milan are ready to close a deal for the 17-year-old, who can play right-back.
It remains to be known what Milan’s intentions are with Omeragic: his age suggests that he would go straight into the Primavera setup,

however given that he is already playing first team football he may wish to be involved with the senior squad – or be loaned out.

It is a signing that would fit well with the ethos that the Rossoneri’s owners Elliott Management have tried to instil, one based around signing young players with high potential and developing them.

AC Milan are closing in on the signing of Swiss starlet Becir Omeragic, according to the latest reports.
The FC Zurich central defender has already made 11 appearances this season in all competitions, and has established himself firmly in the Switzerland U19 national team.

According to Sky – as cited by Calciomercato.com – Milan are ready to close a deal for the 17-year-old, who can play right-back.
It remains to be known what Milan’s intentions are with Omeragic: his age suggests that he would go straight into the Primavera setup,

however given that he is already playing first team football he may wish to be involved with the senior squad – or be loaned out.

It is a signing that would fit well with the ethos that the Rossoneri’s owners Elliott Management have tried to instil, one based around signing young players with high potential and developing them.

*Pioli: 'Milan take game to Atalanta'*

Stefano Pioli wants Milan to “take the game to Atalanta” in Bergamo, which means picking apart Gian Piero Gasperini’s “unique” tactics.

It kicks off on Sunday at 11.30 GMT, click here for a match preview.

“Every game is important for us and we cannot afford to think any other way,” warned the coach in his press conference.

“Milan need the right spirit and total concentration, because we’re still in a very tricky situation. We have an identity now, but are a long way off reaching our full potential. Our plan is to take the game to Atalanta.

“We are Milan and we should aim to be Milan. Our current position in the table is not yet suited to Milan and we need to change that. Naturally, we are not satisfied with this first half of the season.

“I’ve been facing off with Gasperini for years and he has always been a difficult opponent to beat. His defensive movements are practically unique and his attacking approach has improved a great deal in recent years, making for a spectacular style of football.

“If we don’t stand strong tomorrow, we’ll get barged aside by Atalanta. We have to be on full alert in defence. Our performances with the big clubs have been good, but we haven’t been able to get the victory yet.”

Theo Hernandez and Lucas Paqueta are suspended, while there are reports Mateo Musacchio is struggling with an ankle injury, so the defence will be revamped with Ricardo Rodriguez.

“We do not have another full-back capable of the forward runs that Theo does, so we have to think of different solutions elsewhere in the team,” continued Pioli.

“Rodriguez is in good shape, he’s a great professional and he’s ready to play. Suso doesn’t like getting jeered by the fans, obviously, but it’s up to him now to react and show what he can do. I expect a lot from him.”

Not only is Pioli not prepared to answer questions about the upcoming transfer window, he won’t stand for the players thinking about it either.

“I won’t stand for any Milan player getting distracted by the transfer window. If I see someone who isn’t concentrated enough, I simply won’t call him up. If you see we’ve only got 17-18 players in the side, it means someone is distracted.”

Milan squad for Atalanta: A Donnarumma, G Donnarumma, Reina; Calabria, Caldara, Conti, Gabbia, Musacchio, Rodriguez, Romagnoli; Biglia, Bennacer, Bonaventura, Brescianini, Calhanoglu, Kessie, Krunic; Borini, Castillejo, Leao, Piatek, Rebic, Suso

Musacchio is fine and will start alongside Romagnoli against Atalanta. [Sky]

Håland is a player that Milan have considered and inquired about. However, His release clause is €30M and Raiola asks for €15M as commissions which make the deal impossible [Sky]

Pioli issues warning to players ahead of January market; explains Piatek-Leao decision.

On the eve of the clash between Atalanta and AC Milan, Stefano Pioli spoke to the media at the usual press conference (via MilanNews.it). Although the Rossoneri are underdogs, they will be hoping to claim all three points.
After two consecutive wins in the league, Pioli’s men failed to break the deadlock against Sassuolo last time out. Considering the number of chances they had, it was certainly disappointing.
Now, they will have the chance to finish on a strong note ahead of the Christmas break. Then again, Atalanta are no easy opponent, especially on their home turf. A tough task for the Rossoneri manager, in other words.

“The holidays don’t exist. All the games are important, we must have the right concentration to face tomorrow’s game, there can’t be any other thoughts. The league table is poor, the performances are good but we still need performance and points.
“We have an idea of the game, but it can’t be a definitive one yet. Gasperini has built Atalanta over several seasons, to reach maximum potential there is still a lot to do, but we have our way of being on the pitch and our identity,” he began.
In recent weeks, there has been a lot of talk about the Piatek-Leao duel for the starting spot up front. Coming off the bench and hitting the woodwork twice, you would think that Leao is in a good position, but it looks like Piatek will start again.
“Piatek or Leao? If I need a focal point up front, I will choose Kris. if I need a bit of movement, I will choose Leao. We had to win against Sassuolo, I want to see the determination to recover the lost points.
“The absence of Theo? Rodriguez is fine, he has always trained well, he’s a great professional. We don’t have another full-back like Theo, we will have to have accelerations with other players in other positions on the pitch.”
“The market? It will last too long, no AC Milan player will be allowed to think about it. If I see a player who isn’t very determined, he certainly won’t be called up.
“Bennacer? Right now, his position is regista. He’s one of the players who can grow the most. In that role, reading the play is fundamental. He’s a guy who has great motivation and desire to improve, his role is this, I expect significant growth,” he concluded.


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AC Milan failed to beat Atalanta away from home this afternoon, losing the game after conceding a whopping five goals. In other words, they were completely dominated by the home side.
The Rossoneri conceded just one goal in the first half, but once Atalanta added another in the second half, Pioli’s men crumbled and seemingly gave up. After the game, the manager spoke to DAZN (via MilanNews.it) about the performance.

“It had to be handled in a different way, we entered the field with little clarity. If you make a mistake in these complicated games, the approach becomes difficult to remedy.

“Too many mistakes were made. We have to work better, all of us, me first. Today’s performance was seriously insufficient,” he began.
When asked about how this could have happened, Pioli took on responsibility for the poor outing. According to him, it all derives from a poor week of preparation, which certainly is worrying given how important this game was for them.

“When you have a very young team, staying in the game with the difficulties isn’t easy. Such a performance obviously derives from a bad week, the responsibilities are mine,” he continued.

As the January transfer window is just around the corner, the manager was also asked about Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has been heavily linked with the Rossoneri in recent weeks. Obviously, he would welcome the Swedish international in January.

“Ibrahimovic? I have said that he’s a great champion, he would certainly raise competitiveness and increase the desire and determination,” he concluded.

AC Milan have lost a Serie A game with at least 5 goal margin for the fourth time in their history; the join-worst defeat in the competition (the last was back in May 1998 vs Roma).