Milan eye Gila as they plan reinforcements for Europe's best defence

A Derby win has cut Milan's gap to seven points and kept the Scudetto race alive, and club officials are already planning next season with a focus on the defence, which needs numerical reinforcement. Coach Massimiliano Allegri currently relies on the three who started the Derby — De Winter, Tomori and Pavlovic.

Matteo Gabbia is recovering from surgery for an inguinal hernia and will be sidelined at least until the match following the international break, while Odogu has played just 15 minutes so far (four at Verona, 11 against Lecce in the Coppa Italia) and is likely to be sent out on loan next season to continue his development.

Despite those limitations, Milan have conceded only 20 goals in 28 league games, the best defensive record in Serie A and across the five major European leagues; Roma and Como sit on 21. The ranking lists Milan 20, Lens 21, Arsenal 22, Real Madrid 23 and Bayern Munich 24.

Italy, Milan

milan, scudetto, massimiliano allegri, de winter, tomori, pavlovic, matteo gabbia, inguinal hernia, odogu, serie a