Much of the talk ahead of the Champions League draw was centred on the possibility of Milan facing a dreaded 'group of death'. Fortunately, the Rossoneri have avoided many of the 'big names' but nevertheless still face a tough group and there is no such thing as an easy game in the Champions League. Luciano Spalletti will return to Italy with his Zenit side, undoubtedly providing the stiffest competition for first place. In addition, Anderlecht and Malaga make up the remainder of Group C and will be focused on causing an upset, and neither side must be underestimated.

Group C Fixtures:

Milan-Anderlecht (Sept 18)

Zenit-Milan (Oct 3)

Malaga-Milan (Oct 24)

Milan-Malaga (Nov 6)

Anderlecht-Milan (Nov 21)

Milan-Zenit (Dec 4)

As displayed above, Milan will begin their Champions League campaign at home to Anderlecht, with Massimiliano Allegri eyeing an immediate three points to start positively. Somewhat problematic from a fixture congestion point of view, the trip to Russia to face Zenit comes ahead of the Derby della Madonnina, while Anderlecht away is sandwiched between crunch Serie A clashes with Napoli and Juventus. That aside, it is a group that Milan are more than capable of progressing from, provided there is a significant improvement on the opening day performance.

In transfer news, Adriano Galliani's declaration that the Rossoneri's transfer market was closed following the arrival of Bojan proved to be another white lie. Manchester City and Dutch international midfielder Nigel De Jong joins Milan in a deal reportedly worth £3.5m, and has immediately set about his intentions for the new season:

"Milan will be competitive - both in Italy and in Europe. I'm very happy to have joined Milan. Milan is a fascinating club with a great history.

"After having experienced the Manchester-derby, I will now get to experience the Milan derby." - De Jong

It is another impressive acquisition, with De Jong likely to step into the breach left by countryman Mark Van Bommel. At 27 years of age, the Dutchman is arguably approaching his 'peak' years, and will add some grit and steel to the midfield. Galliani wasted little time in heaping pressure on Allegri's shoulders, lauding his own work in bringing the former Ajax man to San Siro.

"Now Allegri has no more excuses. Milan, thanks to our last four signings, are now back in the Scudetto race. De Jong is one of the strongest players in Europe in his role and he will, without a doubt, do very well for us.

"The gap between ourselves and our rivals has decreased and Allegri can no longer hide. We need to play to win the League, not to just finish third." – Galliani

Perhaps confusing Bojan and De Jong with Jovetic and De Rossi, this was an unnecessary statement from Galliani to make. Milan are still behind in terms of squad strength to Juventus and Inter, and perhaps others. While the new arrivals are reassuring, there is no guarantee that Milan will be protagonists in the Scudetto race. But who knows, maybe Galliani isn't finished just yet...

What do you make of De Jong's arrival? Who would you like to see arrive on transfer deadline day? Leave your comments below.

For all the latest Milan and Serie A news, including all the transfer deadline day news, you can follow me on Twitter @italiafooty

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