Breaking down the AC Milan 2016-17 starting XI

Breaking down the AC Milan 2016-17 starting XI

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New owners, another new coach and what could be the beginning of a new era in 2016-17 for the Rossoneri.

Outside90’s Nick D’Urbano takes a look at how coach Vincenzo Montella will setup his squad this season, still awaiting new arrivals among a transfer embargo which has left the club in a stalemate.

The 4-3-3 formation at this present moment will be in use for the season, with the lack of external competition in Europe for the Rossoneri to compete in.

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Goalkeeper – Gianluigi Donnarumma

The 17-year-old will once again be the man between the posts, thrown into the deep end by Sinisa Mihajlovic last season and performing exceptionally. The sky is the limit for the ‘teenage phenom’ and look for him to continue on with full assurance of the coaching staff.

Right-Back – Mattia De Sciglio

Revitalisation. One word to sum up the offseason of the 23-year-old. After a poor couple of campaigns, he looks set to rediscover his great form of 2012-13. A superb Euro 2016, where he played a starring role in Italy’s race to the Quarter-finals on the left-wing is set to be his catapult. Expect him to start on either flank, depending on whether Montella wants to start Ignazio Abate or Luca Antonelli.

Centre-back – Alessio Romagnoli

The pillar that will hold Milan’s defence together. After a slow start to the last season, he managed to turn it around with a superb finish. He is still young and developing, but will be the mainstay of the backline and is integral to the team’s hopes of a return to European football.

Centre-back – Gustavo Gomez

One of Milan’s three signings this summer. The Paraguayan is at this moment set to partner Romagnoli and looks like a player for the future. With growing speculation over  the Rossoneri’s interest in Martin Caceres and Mateo Musacchio, his position is ever-more in peril. Needs to stamp his authority in the coming preseason games.

Left-back – Luca Antonelli

The most underrated fullback in Italian football makes his return after a heartbreaking injury. A superb 2015-16 cruelly came to a close with an injury that ruled him out of an almost assured position in the Italian squad for the Euros. A strong preseason and competition with fellow Italian international Abate will make the battle for this position intriguing. Expect Antonelli to take his rightful place on the left-hand side.

Central-midfield – Juraj Kucka

One of the steals of last season is looking to continue his rapid rise, coming to prominence in the second Milan derby and a superb Euro 2016. Criticised upon his purchase by the club, he now extinguishes the hate with consistently sublime performances.

Central-midfield – Riccardo Montolivo

The most controversial name in the Milan squad, but still a player of true class on his day. The captain will be under severe pressure this season, as age creeps up on him and with the speculation over future signings, his starting role is in jeopardy. At this moment, he will get the spot behind the two advancing midfielders, but needs to return to his best in order to retain this role. Had a renaissance of sorts under Mihajlovic and needs to sustain this next season.

Central-midfield – Giacomo Bonaventura

The most valuable player in the Rossoneri, when at his best he is the man leading the way in a struggling side. Given the No.5 strip and increased calls from the fans to become captain has seen his stocks rise significantly. With Milan in the hunt for another midfielder, expect him to move back to the left-wing upon the completion of a deal. Rumours say Madrid’s Isco is on the radar.

Right-wing – Suso

After a strong second-half of the season on loan at Genoa, the former Liverpool winger looks set to come into his own at the San Siro. A double against Bordeaux and glimpses of brilliance have seen him in the front seat to start against Torino come matchday one, however, this depends heavily on the impending transfer of Juan Cuardrado – who looks set for a reunion with former manager Montella.

Striker – Carlos Bacca/Gianluca Lapadula

Big question marks hang over the head of Carlos Bacca about his future. With West Ham significantly interested in the Columbian’s services, a move may be on the cards, yet if he stays his starting position is guaranteed and it would be a major service to Milan’s attack. If he does leave though, Gianluca Lapadula looks set to step up and fill the void. An amazing rise to fame after last season’s heroics in Serie B with Pescara will see him arrive full of confidence. It remains as to whether he can do it on the biggest stage of Italian football.

Left-wing – M’Baye Niang

Still a major talent, still a man looking to forge his path on the world stage and it is unbelievable to think he is only still 21. A car accident and offseason antics have seen his future become heavily clouded, however, he has looked very good so far playing in a striker role. Could still live up to his unbelievable potential and this is the season to do it.

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