Milan ready to fight again

By Paolo Menicucci

At the beginning of May, AC Milan were still hoping to win a Serie A and UEFA Champions League double for the first time since 1993/94. However, it all came to nothing as they lost out to their eternal rivals Juventus FC in the league and were defeated by Liverpool FC on penalties in the Champions League final.

Dry season
However, a lack of silverware has not dimmed coach Carlo Ancelotti's optimism. "It is easy to regard a season in which we haven't won Serie A or the Champions League as a failure," he said. "But I think it has been a positive season. We have finished second in two big competitions. You can't always win."

First signing
True enough, but having finished the season empty handed, Milan have already redoubled their efforts to win something in 2005/06. Barely 24 hours after they had lost against Liverpool in Istanbul, Milan were announcing their first summer signing, PSV Eindhoven's Swiss international midfield player Johann Vogel.

PSV stalwart
The 28-year-old has moved to the San Siro on a free transfer, signing a three-year contract after a six-year spell at the Philips stadium. The former Grasshopper-Club man was in the PSV side that almost overcame Milan to claim a place in the Champions League final this season. Vogel's versatility could be the key to his success at Milan. He can provide quality cover for playmaker Andrea Pirlo but is also capable of playing alongside him in midfield.

Czech acquisition
Five days after securing Vogel, Milan announced that their second summer signing was to be Czech international Marek Jankulovski. Having helped Udinese Calcio to win a place in the Champions League for next season, the 28-year-old is an extremely useful left-sided player.

Left-sided player
While he is currently recovering from a broken ankle, he is expected to return to full fitness in two months, and having scored 16 goals in three seasons at the Stadio Friuli, the left-back who can also play as a left-sided midfield player, is expected to make a major impact in Milan.

Defensive cover
In defence, Milan are in no hurry to replace the ageing Paolo Maldini and Jaap Stam, although they are reportedly looking to sign a right-back as a long-term replacement for Cafu. US Lecce's Marco Cassetti and S.S. Lazio's Massimo Oddo, both 28, are the men being linked with the position.

Striking question
In attack, there is more uncertainty. While Andriy Shevchenko remains irreplaceable and Filippo Inzaghi will be itching to make a contribution again after missing much of the season with injury, the question remains as to who will provide striking cover in the coming season.

Possible moves
Having been used primarily as a substitute, Jon Dahl Tomasson might consider that his interests would be better served in getting first-team football elsewhere, while Hernán Crespo - who scored twice against Liverpool - is still under contract at Chelsea FC, having played on loan for Milan this season.

Missing piece
Whether the Rossoneri decide to bid to buy the Argentinian may depend on how they fare in their move to lure Parma FC's striker Alberto Gilardino to the San Siro. Regardless of the result of his side's relegation play-off game, the 22-year-old Italy striker is expected to be on the move this summer.

Intentions signalled
Signing Gilardino would not guarantee Milan success in 2005/06, but it would be proof that they do not intend to make a habit of seasons without silverware.