Milan's return to the Champions League in the 2025-26 season is a necessity, according to Allegri.

AC Milan, under the guidance of returning coach Massimiliano Allegri, kicked off the 2022-23 Serie A season with a draw against Torino last year, marking a mixed start to the campaign. This season, however, Allegri aims to turn the draw into a win as he sets his sights on Champions League qualification.

Allegri, who was sacked from AC Milan eleven years ago, is back at the helm, and his first competitive game since January 2014 was a Coppa Italia match against Bari, which Milan won 2-0. Luka Modric made his Milan debut in this game, with Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao scoring the goals.

Unfortunately, Leao picked up an injury during the match, adding to Milan's injury concerns. On a positive note, Modric, the only former Ballon d'Or winner currently playing in Serie A, set a record for appearances in a season with Real Madrid in 2024-25, playing in 57 games and contributing to 13 goals (four goals, nine assists).

Meanwhile, Cremonese, Milan's opponents in the season opener, have drawn their last two Serie A matches. Interestingly, Cremonese have drawn more consecutive matches in the top flight only against Atalanta (three) and Udinese (four).

In transfer news, Victor Boniface, a 24-year-old Nigerian striker who currently plays for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, was expected to join AC Milan on loan with a purchase option. However, a failed medical related to long-term right knee injuries saw the transfer abandoned, and Boniface returned to Leverkusen. It is anticipated that he may rejoin Milan in the future.

Jari Vandeputte, who made his move to Cremonese permanent during the off-season, has been a standout player. No player has provided more assists across Europe's top five leagues and their respective second tiers in the past two seasons than Vandeputte (28 assists).

Historically, Cremonese have struggled against Milan, losing seven of their eight away games against the Rossoneri in Serie A. Despite this, Allegri is treating the season as a marathon and is determined to guide AC Milan towards a successful campaign.

Milan have won four of their last five season-opening games in Serie A, but drew their most recent one 2-2 against Torino last year. As the new season begins, fans will be eager to see how Allegri and his team perform and whether they can secure a place in the Champions League.