FIFA 23 AC Milan Career Mode Guide: Starting Lineup, Who to Sign & more

Following an outstanding title-winning campaign last year, several AC Milan stars have been handed giant rating boosts, making them one of the most exciting teams to use in FIFA 23.

However, the Italian giants have failed to win a Champions League since 2007, which is, of course, the measure of success for the Serie A side.

So, can you be the man to reclaim European glory with AC Milan in FIFA 23 Career Mode? We're providing you with all the tools you need to succeed as the Rossoneri's next manager.

Team Rating

AC Milan has a five-star rating in FIFA 23.

The breakdown of the ratings is as follows: ATT 81, MID 81, DEF 81.

Starting Lineup and Formation

The Rossoneri set up in the 4-3-3 attacking formation in FIFA 23 and there isn't much need to stray too far from this set-up as it allows the team to get the most out of its attacking threats.

You may wish to switch to the 4-3-3 holding variation if you prefer playing with a traditional number 6, which will give you more defensive stability.

Spearheading the attack is veteran striker, Olivier Giroud (OVR 82). The France international will be supported by exciting young wingers Rafael Leao (OVR 84) and Charles De Ketelaere (OVR 78).

Italian powerhouse Sandro Tonali (OVR 84) anchors the midfield trio in the number six position.

Ismael Bennacer (OVR 82) and Brahim Diaz (OVR 78) operate just in front of Tonali in the number eight roles, with Tommaso Pobega (OVR 76) more than capable of filling in.

In the full-back positions, we've gone for Theo Hernandez (OVR 85) and Sergino Dest (OVR 77), whilst Pierre Kalulu (OVR 78) partners Fikayo Tomori (OVR 84) in the heart of the defence.

World-class 'keeper Mike Maignan (OVR 87) is the man between the sticks, boasting a potential rating of 90 OVR.

Tactics and Instructions

With World Cup winner Olivier Giroud being the main target up front, we want to maximise his goal threat.

So, instruct the striker to Stay Forward and Stay Central to give him the best possible chance of a sight at goal.

You may also want to set the speedy Rafael Leao on Get In Behind, whilst instructing Charles De Ketelaere to Cut Inside in order to utilise his left foot.

Both full-backs, Theo Hernandez and Sergino Dest, are capable of providing a real threat going forward, so instruct the wing-backs to Always Overlap in order to bolster the attack.

Make sure to instruct your number six, Sandro Tonali to Cover Centre and Stay Back While Attacking, allowing the Italian to break everything up in midfield.

Training

When it comes to developing young players, you won't be short of options within this AC Milan squad, with five players boasting a potential of 90 OVR.

Defensive pair Theo Hernandez (POT 90) and Fikayo Tomori (POT 90) can develop into two of the best in the entire game, alongside fellow defenders Pierre Kalulu (POT 85) and Sergino Dest (POT 85).

You'll want to focus on training Sandro Tonali (POT 90), with the 22-year-old able to become the best in the world in his position.

Rafael Leao (POT 90) and Charles De Ketelaere (POT 88) can develop into one of the best attacking duos in world football.

The midfield is stacked with quality young players who all have plenty of room for growth, including Ismael Bennacer (POT 86), Brahim Diaz (POT 86) and Tommaso Pobega POT 85).

Transfer Market

Starting budget: £76 million

Who should go?

Despite owning a number of top young players, the AC Milan squad still holds several ageing pros who can be shown the door in order to generate funds for future signings.

First of all, experienced striker Olivier Giroud (OVR 82) does not fit with the ethos of the team or the FIFA 23 meta. So, the Frenchman can be sold for around £13 million.

The sales of the ageing Junior Messias (OVR 78), Alessandro Florenzi (OVR 79) and Simon Kjaer (OVR 82) can increase the transfer budget by roughly £34 million.

With promising players providing sufficient cover across the board, the likes of Tiemoue Bakayoko (OVR 75), Divock Origi (OVR 76), Rade Krunic (OVR 77) and Ante Rebic (OVR 80) can be sold in order to free up a further £45 million for the transfer budget.

Loans

The AC Milan squad has ample depth, meaning there are a number of youngsters who can be sent out on loan.

You should look to offer 18-year-old Serbian striker Marko Lazetic (POT 85) regular minutes elsewhere in order to fast-track his journey to the first XI.

Depending on which centre-backs you sell, 20-year-old Malick Thiaw (POT 83), who boasts a five-star weak foot, can be loaned out for a season.

Matteo Gabbia (POT 79) is another player who will benefit from going out on loan as he can grow by nine overall points.

Who to Sign

New transfer budget: £168 million

Goal Machine

With Olivier Giroud and Zlatan Ibrahimovic set to leave the club, you'll need a new main man up front to net the goals for the team.

RB Leipzig and France international forward Christopher Nkunku (OVR 86) should be your number one target.

The versatile attacking 24-year-old can be picked up for around £90 million, boasting five-star skill moves and a potential of 89 OVR.

Alternative options

Given how strong the AC Milan squad is, you have a lot of freedom when it comes to other signings.

Signing right-back Sergino Dest on a permanent contract once his loan spell comes to an end would be a wise move. The American defender will cost roughly £25 million.

Board Expectations

You will have to keep an eye on a few board expectations as manager of AC Milan in FIFA 23 as they are a pretty demanding club.

Brand Exposure is the most important one for your popularity with the board as they see it as critical to the success of the club.

The board also have assigned high priority to Domestic Success and Continental Success, so it's important you are performing at the highest level.

The Financial targets are a medium priority, so you don't need to stress too much about this, while the Youth Development is even less important at low priority.