Milan is at the top of the Serie A table together with favourites Roma and Juventus. But the Rossoneri are technically ahead of the Bianconeri and the Giallorossi thanks to goal difference.

Now, as the two main contenders are about to kick-off their European campaigns, Milan fans find themselves with unusually free midweeks: something that has both negative and positive aspects.

The downside is mainly about finance: the team lost the incomes from the Champions League. In the 2014-2015, the winner will earn €37,4 M, and we're not considering the TV rights from the market pool and the stadium attendance. That's the main reason why Milan only spent €12,6 M this summer, while their earnings reached €28,5 M.

The bright side of the European absence (it didn't happen since 1999) is a technical one. And that will be (well, “should be”) a plus for Milan this season. Il Diavolo will not have to spend mental and physical energies during the week. Spending an entire week working on schemes, team building and tactic cohesion is priceless. For a debutant coach like Pippo Inzaghi this is a strong point as the current season will be a major training experience after the Primavera (the youth team).

There are many successful stories to confirm it. Look at Roma: the Giallorossi managed to reach a record-breaking season in Serie A without playing a single minute in a European competition in 2013-2014. Rudi Garcia had time to build a rock-solid side working day by day with a team that came from a humiliating season.

In 2010 Juventus failed to reach any breakthrough. Antonio Conte was appointed as new coach and in that season he laid the foundation of a dream triennium, with three Italian titles in a row. The current coach of the Italian national team has to thank the failure of the 2010-2011 Juve, as it was a key factor for the building of his dream team.

The same thinking can be applied to Manchester United. The Red Devils had a nightmarish 2013-2014 as they ended seventh in Premier League, staying out of the Champions League and even of the Europa League. None among Josè Mourinho, Arsene Wenger and Manuel Pellegrini will enjoy the same luxury as Louis Van Gaal. The Dutch guru is working without any mid-week stress. Well, the arrivals of Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao and many other aces could help him a bit in the hunt for the Premier League title, but we are sure that he's not crying at night for the Champions League forfait. Pippo Inzaghi has a great chance, will he be able to exploit it?

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