Di Marzio: Milan Must Strengthen Defense in January Despite Positive Signs

FolioPitch.com – 06 October 2026 | AC Milan‘s summer transfer window may have brought in promising talent, but according to renowned Italian football journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, the Rossoneri cannot afford to rest on their laurels. In fact, Di Marzio Milan will need to be busy in January despite positive signs already, as the team still has glaring gaps that must be addressed if they are to compete for a top-four finish and beyond. Speaking to Bet365, Di Marzio emphasized that further investment is crucial, particularly in defense, where Milan have conceded too many goals.

Milan’s summer mercato was met with cautious optimism. The club secured three strong players, and Di Marzio believes one of them, Moreira, could be a surprise package, potentially ranking among the three best signings in the Italian transfer market. However, the overall assessment of the window remains mixed. While the additions were promising, the team is far from complete, and more could have been done with the funds spent. This sentiment is echoed by many fans and pundits who feel that Milan’s squad still lacks depth in key areas.

Di Marzio’s assertion that Di Marzio Milan will need to be busy in January despite positive signs already is rooted in the team’s defensive frailties. “In January, they will need at least one central defender, in my opinion, to improve their reliability, given that AC Milan has conceded too many goals so far,” he stated. This is a clear indication that the club’s hierarchy, including owner Gerry Cardinale, is aware of the need for further reinforcements. Cardinale has reportedly planned additional investment, with a few targets already lined up. However, Di Marzio stresses that any new signings must be of the right type: players who genuinely improve the squad, not just add numbers.

The positive signs Di Marzio refers to are evident in Milan’s early season performances under new coach Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese tactician has brought a fresh tactical approach, and Di Marzio believes that with time, Amorim can build a distinct identity. “I think Amorim needs time to build an identity, and in my opinion, Milan can finish in the top four,” Di Marzio said. This optimism is tempered by the reality that assimilating Amorim’s ideas will take time, and the January window will be crucial in providing the necessary tools to accelerate that process.

Beyond Milan’s immediate needs, Di Marzio also shared his views on the broader Serie A landscape. He identified Roma as Inter‘s biggest rival for the Scudetto, citing their continuity with Gian Piero Gasperini and smart acquisitions like Balerdi, Rodrigo Mora, and Molina. “They haven’t lost any key players over the summer, so if they can maintain a high level of intensity and, above all, get an injury-free Dybala, Roma is the club that can get closest to Inter,” he explained. This assessment underscores the competitive nature of Serie A and the importance of Milan keeping pace with their rivals.

Di Marzio also touched on the transfer market’s historical context, reminiscing about Ronaldo’s move to Inter in 1997. “Seeing him in Italy, arriving from Barcelona – it was 1997 – changed the transfer market and the era of Italian football,” he recalled. He lamented the current difficulty of attracting such transcendent talent to Italy, highlighting the evolving financial dynamics of the game. Looking ahead, Di Marzio predicted that Liverpool’s Mac Allister could be the center of a major transfer saga next summer, with Manchester City already expressing interest. He also mentioned that Rodrygo and Endrick could leave Real Madrid, further shaping the future transfer landscape.

For Milan, the immediate focus must be on January. The club’s defensive record is a concern, and Di Marzio’s warning that Di Marzio Milan will need to be busy in January despite positive signs already serves as a timely reminder. The Rossoneri have the resources and the ambition to strengthen, but they must act decisively. The right signings could transform their season, turning promising performances into tangible results. As Amorim continues to implement his philosophy, the addition of a reliable center-back could provide the stability needed to climb the table.

In conclusion, while Milan’s summer signings and Amorim’s early impact offer hope, the journey is far from over. The January transfer window presents a critical opportunity to address weaknesses and bolster the squad. Di Marzio’s insights make it clear that Di Marzio Milan will need to be busy in January despite positive signs already, and the club’s management must deliver on their promise of further investment. With the right moves, Milan can challenge for a top-four finish and lay the foundation for future success. The coming months will reveal whether they can seize the moment and turn potential into achievement.