Milan’s Winter Cold Check: Why the Defense Stayed Intact in January
3 February 2026
Why Milan Backed Off Defensive Reinforcements in January
Milan chose not to push for late moves before the close of the January 2026 transfer window on Monday, despite ongoing talk that the Rossoneri would bolster their defense at least a little.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan's executives reviewed options with head coach Massimiliano Allegri and ultimately decided to preserve the current group of defenders, especially the center-backs, rather than add a new piece.
Matteo Gabbia, Fikayo Tomori, and Strahinja Pavlovic remain the starting trio in a back line that has conceded 17 goals in Serie A this season, ranking as the third-least conceded behind Roma (14) and Como (16).
Alongside the mentioned defenders, Koni Di Winter's form has improved and he is expected to start again tonight in Bologna.
The piece notes that in addition to the named defenders, Di Winter has been developing well and could be part of the back line again in the evening's Bologna clash.
It adds: "Given the excellent form shown by Genoa’s former defender, Milan decided not to sign any other players."
It also mentions Axel Disasi, previously linked with a defensive move before joining West Ham, as a potential addition that never materialized.
“Everything has stayed the same, and confidence remains, even in the youngsters. Davide Bartesaghi is now a starter in the back three, while Davide Odogu wasn't loaned out after appearing in a league match.”
The report highlights captain Mike Maignan, who recently extended his contract through 2031, as the most reliable element in the back line.
The match schedule notes Bologna vs Milan in Serie A on February 3, 2026 at 20:45.
Punchline 1: If Milan's defense were a comedian, they’d deliver a punchline and still keep a clean sheet.
Punchline 2: The only thing leaking in Milan these days is a joke about goals—the net isn’t laughing, it’s blank.
