Back on Top: How a Forgotten Powerhouse Suddenly Looks Unstoppable

Back on Top: How a Forgotten Powerhouse Suddenly Looks Unstoppable

When you think of the elite European teams, the crème de la crème if you will, AC Milan are always one of the first names to be uttered.

Throughout history they have been a dominant force not only in Italy, but also on the continent with their seven Champions League titles.

However, recent times have not been so kind to the Rossoneri — they’ve been on the verge of being left behind in Serie A, and have been consistently overshadowed by fierce rivals, Inter.

Until this season. It may be early days, but Milan have started like a team with a point to prove.

Season So Far

At present Milan sit top of Serie A. They’ve taken 12 points from five matches, scoring 9 and conceding 3. Since losing 2-1 on the opening weekend, only Kevin De Bruyne's penalty is the only strike to have found its way past Mike Maignan.

The headline result so far? A gritty 2–1 win over Napoli at San Siro, achieved despite going down to ten men. That wasn’t just three points; it was a statement about mentality.

It’s been efficient rather than explosive: narrow margins, controlled games, and the sense that Milan know exactly how to see matches out.

The table is tight and nobody can run away with the league in September. Napoli and Roma are right there on 12 as well, and Juventus are just a point back — but Milan’s goal difference has them looking down at the pack instead of up at it.

Do you know who are quietly having an excellent start to the season?

Milan.

Disastrous last year... so much change this summer... new manager... 10 new players signed... and they look like a proper team.

4 wins on the bounce... 9 goals scored, 0 conceded in that run and the… pic.twitter.com/aMy1wLpyHY

— Dougie Critchley (@DougieCritchley) September 24, 2025

Star Players

Christian Pulisic has started the season like he’s on fast-forward. He’s already on four league goals and has been decisive in big moments, including a goal and an assist in that win against Napoli. Beyond the output, he’s given Milan a fresh energy, and has more than filled the creative void left behind when Rafael Leao has been unavailable.

Since Christian Pulisic made his Serie A debut, no player has been involved in more goals.

He just passed Lautaro Martinez for the No. 1 spot 🇺🇸🔥

(📸: @OneFootball) pic.twitter.com/k4LG2bSwEw

— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) September 28, 2025

Captain America will have one eye on next year's World Cup that is taking place in his homeland, and he will be desperate to star.

Then there’s Luka Modrić. Yes, 40 and still dictating. He’s not being asked to run marathons; he’s asked to run the match. His tempo control and press-resistance have brought calm to a midfield that, in recent seasons, could look frantic under pressure. Around him, the balance feels better too, Samuele Ricci’s legs, Ardon Jashari’s industry and range, and the wide men’s work-rate have helped Milan keep opponents at arm’s length.

Clash of Maestros 🎩 pic.twitter.com/ftk3lf9kHz

— AC Milan (@acmilan) September 28, 2025

At the back, the picture is similarly encouraging. Conceding three in five tells its own story: the unit looks organised, the distances are right, and the full-backs are picking their moments to go. Mike Maignan has already produced one or two big saves when it mattered, which is what top goalkeepers do in title-chasing seasons.

What’s Changed?

First, the touchline. Massimiliano Allegri has brought structure and clarity. Milan look like a side with non-negotiables: compact between the lines, aggressive in transition, and ruthless enough to bank points even when the performance isn’t sparkling. This is what we have come to expect from Allegri teams, it may not be exhilarating, but he knows how to win.

Second, smarter recruitment. This wasn’t a summer of panic.

Modrić adds brainpower and experience, Pervis Estupiñán adds athleticism and bite down the left, and the midfield refresh has smoothed out some of last year’s rough edges. It feels like upgrades with a plan rather than names for the sake of it.

Third, belief. Milan of the past few seasons sometimes wobbled in key moments; this version looks comfortable in the chaos. The Napoli game was the perfect example: early lead, setback, red card, and still the team found a way to manage the storm.

The Road Ahead

No one wins a title in September. Inter will improve, Juventus look dangerous, and Napoli won’t vanish. The schedule will tighten once Europe ramps up, and that’s where rotation and fitness will make or break the mood around San Siro. But there’s a different energy about Milan this autumn. Pulisic is flying, Modrić is purring, the defence is standing tall, and Allegri’s blueprint is visible in throughout the team.

Top in late September doesn’t guarantee anything, but it does tell you something. Milan are no longer glancing enviously at the teams above them.

They are the ones being chased. And after a tepid few seasons, this is feeling Milan will want to hold on to.

🔴⚫️ Allegri's Milan have now WON 5 matches in a row!

✅ 2-0 win vs Lecce
✅ 1-0 win vs Bologna
✅ 3-0 win vs Udinese
✅ 3-0 win vs Lecce
✅ 2-1 win vs Napoli

Next match: Juventus (A). pic.twitter.com/kXg1iQ6iRJ

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) September 28, 2025