AC Milan means business with Mario Mandžukic signing

By: Andrew Dampf, The Associated Press Posted: 6:12 AM CST Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021 Last Modified: 8:21 AM CST Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021

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ROME - The missing piece for AC Milan in its decade-long quest to return to glory — and financial stability — could prove to be a 34-year-old striker who hasn’t played in nearly a year.

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ROME - The missing piece for AC Milan in its decade-long quest to return to glory — and financial stability — could prove to be a 34-year-old striker who hasn’t played in nearly a year.

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This article was published 21/01/2021 (2053 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

ROME – The missing piece for AC Milan in its decade-long quest to return to glory — and financial stability — could prove to be a 34-year-old striker who hasn’t played in nearly a year.

Mario Mandžukic’s signing this week is tantamount to a statement of title intentions.

Hitherto having maintained that its goal was returning to the Champions League after a seven-year absence by securing only a top-four finish, Milan now appears firmly set on winning Serie A.

Mario Mandzukic poses at the Milanello Milan's sport center prior to his first training session, in Carnago, Italy, Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021. AC Milan has signed veteran forward Mario Mandžukic. The 34-year-old Croat gives 39-year-old Zlatan Ibrahimovic support in attack for the Italian league leader’s title challenge. Milan said Mandžukic agreed on a deal until the end of the current season with an option to extend by one year. (Spada/LaPresse via AP)

And standing three points clear of city rival Inter Milan nearing the season’s mid-point, why not?

It’s just that having exceeded expectations all season — for all of 2020 actually, or since Zlatan Ibrahimovic returned last January — it’s been a slow process in terms of building the belief that a title run is possible.

Juventus has ruled Serie A for nine consecutive seasons and Milan has finished no better than fifth over the past seven years.

Whereas hedge-fund owner Elliott Management has for the most part prioritized signing younger players on the rise with bright financial prospects, Mandžukic is a veteran scorer looking for one last turn in the spotlight.

“The history of Milan tells us to be ambitious and get back to where we should be,” Milan coach Stefano Pioli said. “His arrival goes in that direction. … He’s an extra weapon.”

Mandžukic knows Italian soccer, having scored 44 goals in 162 appearances for Juventus before spending last season in Qatar with league champion Al-Duhail. He could perform as a reserve for the 39-year-old Ibrahimovic or play together with the Swede in a supporting role.

“There will be two of us to scare the opponents now,” Ibrahimovic said.

At his presentation Thursday, Mandžukic brushed off concerns about his form, even though he hasn’t played an official match since March.

FILE - In this May 19, 2019 file photo, Juventus' Mario Mandzukic holds the Serie A soccer title trophy, at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, Italy. AC Milan has signed veteran forward Mario Mandžukic. The 34-year-old Croat gives 39-year-old Zlatan Ibrahimovic support in attack for the Italian league leader’s title challenge. Milan said Mandžukic agreed on a deal until the end of the current season with an option to extend by one year. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

“I’ve worked hard recently,” Mandžukic said. “I feel good. My body can deal with any sort of exertion. And I can play another four years at a high level. Don’t worry, I’m in form.”

Milan is also reportedly in talks to sign centre back Fikayo Timori from Chelsea and left back Junior Firpo from Barcelona, with midfielder Soualiho Meïté recently loaned in from Torino.

“We are almost halfway through the league and now the games are starting to be more difficult,” Ibrahimovic said after scoring both goals in a 2-0 win over Cagliari on Monday. “It will be a very tough season. But now with Mandžukic and Meïté — and I don’t know if others will arrive — we will have more players available for the coach to rotate in.”

By winning Serie A, Milan could grab millions more in Champions League money from UEFA — funds that are desperately needed to provide relief from financial fair play sanctions that resulted in Milan voluntarily withdrawing from last season’s Europa League.

Mandžukic could make his Milan debut against Atalanta on Saturday, with the team needing only one point to secure the mostly meaningless halfway title.

Then he could be of even more use three days later in a derby with Inter in the Italian Cup quarterfinals.

“Looking at the schedule there will be some rotation as we’ll need to preserve energy, not run risks or have too many injuries,” Pioli said. “Having some extra choices is important. I’m happy with the club’s choice.”