5 teams who have disappointed in Europe so far

#2 AC Milan

AC Milan's star-studded team has flattered to deceive

This was meant to be the year that AC Milan finally became serious about challenging for the Serie A title once again. After not winning the crown since 2011, the only major title they have claimed in the last decade, the San Siro outfit have endured a lengthy spell of mediocrity.

When they splashed out around €175 million on new signings this summer, including Leonardo Bonucci from Juventus (€42m) and Andre Silva from Porto (€38m), expectation levels rose dramatically.

Vincenzo Montella’s side have been unable to match those hopes. Indeed, they are as much in the wilderness domestically as they have been in recent years. From 13 matches, they have lost six already, and they already find themselves with a seven-point gap to the top six, with the three clubs immediately above them all having played a game less, too.

At least they have been going well in the Europa League, relatively speaking, although two scoreless draws against AEK Athens did little to quicken the pulse and a 3-2 home win over Croatian outfit Rijeka was much too close for comfort.

Perhaps it would be worth remembering that many of the players signed by the Rossoneri in the summer are still young and are to reach their potential, so it is premature to write them off. However, there can be little doubt that there was much more expected of them than the mediocre fare they have so often shown this term.