Cafu Confident Milan Can Compete for Serie A Title, But Warns of Transfer Market Lag
Brazilian football legend Cafu has voiced his confidence in AC Milan's chances of contending for the Scudetto in the upcoming Serie A season. However, the former Milan defender also cautioned that the Rossoneri are currently "behind" their rivals, particularly Inter and Napoli, in terms of squad strength, especially considering their activity in the transfer market.
In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport on July 20, 2025, Cafu stated his belief that Milan can challenge for the title. Despite his optimism, Cafu acknowledged the need for reinforcements and highlighted the strong transfer activity of other top Serie A clubs.
Absence from European Competition Could Benefit Milan
Cafu pointed out a potential advantage for Milan: their absence from European competitions this season. This allows the team to focus solely on domestic competitions, namely Serie A and the Coppa Italia, without the added strain of midweek European fixtures. This singular focus could prove crucial in a tight title race.
Transfer Market Concerns Mount for AC Milan
Cafu's comments come at a time of increasing concern among Milan fans and football pundits regarding the club's activity in the transfer market. As of July 20, 2025, Milan had only secured three new signings, despite the pre-season preparations officially beginning the following week with friendly matches against Arsenal and Liverpool. This perceived lack of activity has raised questions about Milan's readiness to compete with the likes of Inter, Napoli and Juventus, all of whom have been actively strengthening their squads.
Cafu Praises Estupiñán, Calls Him a "Perfect Fit"
Amidst the transfer market discussions, Cafu also singled out Pervis Estupiñán, a left-back who has been heavily linked with a move to AC Milan, for praise. Cafu described Estupiñán as a "perfect fit" for Milan, citing his speed, ability to contribute in attack, and overall initiative as key attributes that would benefit the team.
Key Dates Approaching for AC Milan
The coming weeks are crucial for AC Milan as they ramp up their pre-season preparations. Following Cafu's interview on July 20, the team is scheduled to begin their pre-season friendlies against Arsenal and Liverpool. These matches will provide an opportunity for the coaching staff to assess the current squad and identify areas that need strengthening before the start of the 2024/2025 Serie A season.
Rival Clubs Strengthening, Adding Pressure on Milan
Inter, Napoli, and Juventus are considered Milan's primary rivals for the Scudetto. Inter, the reigning champions, are looking to maintain their dominance, while Napoli and Juventus are eager to bounce back and challenge for the title. The active transfer windows of these clubs have added pressure on Milan to bolster their squad to remain competitive.
Quotes from Cafu Highlight Optimism and Concern
Cafu's direct quotes from the Gazzetta dello Sport interview, as reported by SempreMilan, reveal a blend of optimism and concern. He stated, "I'm confident the right reinforcements will arrive," expressing his hope that Milan will address their squad deficiencies in the transfer market. However, he also acknowledged, "On paper, Milan are behind, but I'm still confident," highlighting the gap between Milan's aspirations and their current squad compared to their rivals.
Pressure Mounts on Management to Secure Reinforcements
The perceived slowness in the transfer market has increased the pressure on AC Milan's management to secure key reinforcements before the season begins. Fans and pundits are closely watching the club's movements in the transfer market, eager to see whether Milan can close the gap on their rivals and mount a serious title challenge.
Allegri's Role Crucial to Milan's Success
The success of Milan's season will depend on how quickly the new coach, Max Allegri, can implement his system and integrate new players into the team. Cafu expressed confidence in Allegri, stating, "He's a hard-working manager, and we just need to give him time to put his game into practice." Allegri's ability to get the best out of his players and create a cohesive unit will be vital to Milan's chances of success.
