AC Milan: 2013/14 Champions League expectations

Kaka reacts during the match vs. on September 14, 2013 at the Olympic Stadium in Turin. (Getty Images)

That defeat was further compounded by Balotelli three-match ban. The striker received a red card for confronting the officials but Milan are set to appeal against it. Allegri bemoaned his side’s luck following their home loss and insisted that his side put on a decent display.

“It was in a way our best performance of the Serie A season so far. We were lucky to get back the 2-2 draw at Torino, so we paid for that good fortune this time around,” he said.

Allegri, however, conceded that the Milan outfit need to improve their defending.

“We defended badly and in the wrong way, as we should’ve realised straight away they were going to do that. We need to improve our defending in the box, but that doesn’t take away from the fact I think the team played well,” he said.

Kaka managed 70 minutes against Torino without contributing much, as a stoppage time penalty from Balotelli clinched a point for Milan. Of course, Kaka’s lack of game time at Madrid means the Brazilian will need to be eased back into action to recapture fitness and gel with the new side.

Serie A form aside, Milan have a new plethora of options in attack which should be a cause for concern for Group H. As well as Balotelli, Stephan El-Shaarawy is a clinical finisher and finished last season with 18 goals. At only 20, the striker is a huge talent and is only likely to improve.

Robinho, Giampaolo Pazzini and Matri also provide options, benefitting from Champions League experience; the latter having scored twice in Juventus’ 5-0 aggregate annihilation of Celtic in last year’s round of 16 tie.

In terms of midfield, Poli’s arrival strengthens it as well as Nigel De Jong’s return from injury; the Dutchman’s strength and tenacity in the deep midfield role used by Allegri is key to breaking up attacks and retaining possession. Captain Riccardo Montolivo and returning hero Kaka will add creativity and support for the front men.

Defensively, Philippe Mexes’s lack of pace could be a chink in the Milan armour, but teams will need to get past the defensive midfield wall likely to be in force through De Jong and Poli; not an easy task.

The summer has saw Milan strengthen greatly without compromising any areas. They have a good depth to the squad, a healthy mix of youth and experience and a coach more than capable of getting it tactically spot on.

Although the start to their Serie A campaign has been tame, with new players to settle in and a number to come back from injury, the Milan faithful could see their side difficult to beat in this year’s Champions League.