Bittersweet Symphony [Newsletter]

AC Milan got back to winning ways with a strong performance against Lazio this weekend, comfortably prevailing 2-0. It’s a timely confidence boost ahead of the first leg against Inter, but it has ended up in the shadow of Rafael Leao, who picked up an injury in the game.

Performance-wise it was a great first half for Milan as Ismael Bennacer, who pressed high all game along with Olivier Giroud, opened the scoring in the 17th minute. Then, just 12 minutes later, Theo Hernandez took matters into his own hands and scored an Atalanta-esque solo goal, running 84 meters before firing a rocket past the keeper.

As said, however, much of this ended up in the shadow of Rafael Leao, who was forced to leave the game with a muscle injury after just 11 minutes. It’s not a serious injury, as we were first to report, but the winger doesn’t have much time to recover and he’s thus likely to miss the game on Wednesday (at least from start).

The medical team will evaluate him day by day and the final decision will be taken on Wednesday morning. There is a chance that he could be on the bench, therefore, but Stefano Pioli will only give him the go-ahead if the medical team gives 100% clearance. In any case, it’s a big blow for the Rossoneri.

The famous Milan journalist Carlo Pellegatti pointed out something very interesting, though. He stated that he would be more worried about Milan facing Inter after a poor performance against Lazio, even if that meant having Leao available. And there’s indeed something to be said about the importance of confidence.

The aforementioned makes even more sense if we factor in that Alexis Saelemaekers, Leao’s replacement, has been in very good form in these last couple of weeks. His display against Lazio was perfect from a tactical point of view, taking on the defenders when needed but also dropping down a bit to allow for Theo’s runs.

Leao’s injury is a blow no matter what, but at least Milan showed what they can do without him. In addition to this, the Portuguese winger is getting closer to renewing his contract with the Rossoneri, which would be so important for the future. A bittersweet symphony, therefore, in the words of Richard Ashcroft.

News bulletin

➤ AC Milan’s Primavera side failed to extend their three-game winning run but at least remained unbeaten, drawing 1-1 against Napoli. Gabriele Alesi was the big hero as he converted his own penalty rebound, scoring the crucial equaliser in the 86th minute.

➤ The Milan Women followed the trend of the Primavera and also drew their game, facing Fiorentina. Veronica Boquete, the former Rossonere player, scored the opener for La Viola towards the end of the first half from the spot. Just six minutes into the second half, though, Chante Dompig scored the equaliser for Milan.

➤ Leao’s injury, as mentioned above, is not of serious nature and the winger is also getting closer to a renewal. As we have learned, the foundation of the agreement is worth €7m plus €2m in bonuses per year, while the contract length should be 3-5 years (yet to be decided). It could be closed this week.

➤ Milan have decided to focus on Brahim Diaz after missing out on Houssem Aouar, who is set to join Roma. As we have learned, the Rossoneri will start the negotiations with Real Madrid from scratch and want to reach an agreement at around €15m, which could either be an outright purchase or a loan with an obligation to buy.

➤ Rafael Leao jokingly said that Kylian Mbappe ‘should come to Milan’ especially since he is ‘already a Milan fan’. The Portuguese winger also praised Charles De Ketelaere, who ‘has great quality’, in his Q&A for the app The Residency.

➤ Curva Sud have announced that they will boycott Milan’s away game against Juventus in over two weeks. The reason is the outrageous ticket pricing by the Bianconeri, as one ticket for the away end costs €80. That’s in line with the ticket prices for the Champions League semi-finals, which says a lot.

In case you missed it

Make sure to check out the latest podcast episode, which will be published later this evening along with the bonus podcast. You can also read our latest bonus article which discusses how Stefano Pioli has shot himself in the foot with the heavy rotation.