AC Milan are reportedly shifting its focus towards Italian-grown talent for future transfer windows, with an eye on addressing the challenges posed by Serie A and Champions League squad list regulations. The Rossoneri are currently facing limitations in their squad registration options, which could become more pronounced in the coming season.
Calciomercato report how both Serie A and the Champions League require clubs to submit player lists at the start of the season, with specific quotas for homegrown players. These lists can be modified before each league match and after the group stages in European competition. The rules stipulate that four slots must be filled by players trained in Italian academies, and another four by players developed in the club’s own youth system. Serie A exempts players under 22 from these calculations.
Milan’s current situation is concerning, as they are effectively “wasting” four slots in their Serie A list. Only two players, Davide Calabria and Matteo Gabbia, qualify as club-trained, while Marco Sportiello and Alessandro Florenzi (both currently injured) fill two of the Italy-trained slots. Young players like Terracciano, Torriani, Zeroli, and Camarda don’t count towards these quotas due to their age.
The situation could worsen by the end of the season, potentially leaving six slots unfilled. Calabria’s contract is set to expire, and renewal negotiations are uncertain due to his wage demands. Florenzi, recovering from a cruciate ligament injury, is also unlikely to have his contract renewed when it expires at the end of the season.
These circumstances are pushing Milan towards a “Made in Italy” transfer strategy. The club will need to prioritize acquiring players who have spent at least three years between the ages of 15 and 21 in Italian youth academies, regardless of their nationality. Alternatively, if Milan continues to focus on foreign talent, they may be forced to sell some of their current non-Italian players to free up squad list slots.
