AC Milan: 2013/14 Champions League expectations

Mario Balotelli looks on during the UEFA Champions League group H match between AC Milan and Celtic at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 18, 2013 in Milan, Italy. (Getty Images)

Alongside Barcelona, AC Milan head into the 2013/2014 UEFA Champions League as favourites to progress from group H.

But only just as the Rossoneri can no longer claim to be the feared side of old. Having clumsily stumbled through the opening rounds of the new Serie A season, finishing second in a group of previous winners of the competition is the minimum requirement for Milan in this year’s Champions League; falling short of this expectation is not an option.

After a disastrous start to the 2012/2013, the Milan giants finished third in Serie A and cemented their place in Europe’s top competition once more thanks to tactical nous, emerging talents and of course Mario Balotelli; he scored 12 goals in 13 appearances since his January move from Manchester City. Although at times controversial, the Italian international’s contribution to the Milan cause cannot be questioned.

The influence of Balotelli was not available during Milan’s Champions League exploits last term due to his participation with City. However, Milan emerged from their group to reach the last 16 of the competition; one which they have won on seven previous occasions making them one of the most decorated sides in the competition’s history.

The round of 16 brought Barcelona to the San Siro in what was to be billed a walk in the park for the Spanish giants. This it was not, as Massimiliano Allegri’s men performed miracles and dominated the match to win 2-0. It was simply a tactical masterclass from Allegri, who completely nullified any threat from Leo Messi and co.

Optimism was high for the return leg at the Camp Nou, but nothing could stop Barcelona clinching a 4-0 win; although not without a few scares as Milan could have made it a different story had they taken a chance or two. Eliminated, Milan did not go out without a fight and the victory over Barcelona in Milan would be a memorable moment for supporters in the season.

With the season over, and Champions League qualification secured, both fans and management knew that areas of the side would need to be reinforced.

Allowing midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng to leave for Schalke for around £8.8m served only to weaken the side, such was his influence in the middle of the park and contribution to the goals tally; notably, a brace in the 3-0 win against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League playoff tie in August, ensuring progression to the group stage of this year’s competition.

Key arrivals this summer have been delivered at the San Siro with Andrea Poli arriving from Sampdoria for a mere £2.6m, Alessandro Matri arriving from Juventus for around £9.6m and of course Kaka, who made his return to Milan on a free transfer from Real Madrid. Kaka’s arrival has renewed fans’ hopes ahead of the new season, conjuring memories of his past performances both in Italy and European competition.

To say these key signings have not hit the ground running would something of an understatement as Milan suffered defeat in their opening day of the Serie A campaign against lowly Verona. A win at home to Cagliari was followed by a lucky 2-2 draw with Torino. The 2-1 loss to Rafael Benitez’s Napoli last weekend meant that Milan have been shaky at best.