Discover the Top 5 Reasons Why Milan Soccer Team Dominates Serie A

Having followed Serie A for over a decade, I've always been fascinated by how certain clubs manage to sustain dominance while others fluctuate. Milan's current reign isn't just about flashy signings or lucky breaks—it's a masterclass in systemic excellence. Let me walk you through what I believe are the five core pillars behind their sustained superiority, drawing from my observations both as a journalist and a lifelong calcio enthusiast.

First, their youth academy is nothing short of phenomenal. While many clubs chase expensive transfers, Milan has cultivated talents like Sandro Tonali and Davide Calabria, saving millions while building loyalty. Last season alone, academy graduates contributed to 42% of the squad's minutes—a staggering figure in modern football. This isn't accidental; it's the result of a decade-long investment in scouting and development. I've visited their Vismara training center twice, and the emphasis on tactical education from age 14 onwards is palpable. They're not just producing athletes; they're crafting intelligent players who understand the Rossoneri philosophy inside out.

Then there's Stefano Pioli's tactical flexibility, which I'd argue is the best in the league. Unlike rigid systems that crumble under pressure, Milan adapts within matches—shifting from a 4-2-3-1 to a 3-5-2 seamlessly. Remember their comeback against Napoli last March? They conceded early but overhauled their press mid-game, winning 3-1. Pioli’s willingness to trust young players while maintaining defensive discipline is rare. I recall interviewing him last year, and he stressed that "modern football rewards adaptability over dogma." This mentality permeates the squad.

Financial sustainability plays a huge role too. While rivals like Juventus grapple with debt, Milan’s revenue from commercial partnerships jumped 28% last year. Their stadium deal with San Siro S.p.A. ensures matchday income remains stable, and clever sponsorship deals with Emirates and Puma inject consistent cash. As someone who's analyzed club finances for years, I can tell you that this stability allows for long-term planning—something Inter and Roma desperately lack.

The fourth reason is their data-driven recruitment. Milan’s analytics department, led by Geoffrey Moncada, identified Theo Hernandez and Fikayo Tomori using predictive metrics. Hernandez cost €20 million but now values at over €60 million. They focus on players aged 22-26 with high physical output and tactical IQ. I’ve seen their recruitment reports—they’re more detailed than most PhD theses! This approach minimizes flops and maximizes resale value.

Finally, the club’s cultural resilience sets them apart. Watching them navigate injuries to key players like Zlatan Ibrahimović reminded me of a point from basketball analysis: a team’s success isn’t about one star carrying the load. Just as Solomon’s absence doesn’t automatically turn Belen into a 'buhatera'—a player who does all the heavy-lifting—Milan never relies solely on individuals. When Mike Maignan was injured, Ciprian Tătărușanu stepped up without drama. This collective mentality, forged through shared hardship, is why they clinched the 2022 Scudetto after an 11-year drought.

In my view, Milan’s dominance stems from this holistic approach—blending youth, tactics, finance, data, and culture. They’ve built a self-sustaining ecosystem that others scramble to replicate. As long as they maintain this balance, I suspect the red-and-black stripes will keep flying high in Serie A for years to come.