Buon Natale! [Newsletter]

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Dec 25, 2024

Buon Natale and happy holidays! There is no doubt that Milan fans would have liked to celebrate under different circumstances, with a far from ideal situation on and off the pitch, but let’s try to avoid a doom-and-gloom edition of the newsletter this time out (there have been far too many of those lately, unfortunately). The only question is, what can we talk about instead?

When I think about Christmas and Milan, it brings me back to December 2016. I remember it rather vividly, actually, as we finally started to see some light at the end of the tunnel after several tough seasons. Vincenzo Montella was appointed manager in the summer, following the Cristian Brocchi struggles, and a couple of good signings were made to build on the investments in 2015.

Players such as Gigio Donnarumma, Alessio Romagnoli and Giacomo Bonaventura grew into their roles more, Mario Pasalic and Suso performed over expectations and Manuel Locatelli was a big surprise in the regista role. The latter, of course, was the big hero with a thumping effort in the 1-0 win against Juventus in the fall of 2016 - the Rossoneri’s first win against their Bianconeri in seven league games (since 2012).

It’s also a win that played a big part a few months later, as Milan prepared for the Supercoppa Italiana final on December 23 against - you guessed it - Juventus. The Coppa Italia final in 2015-16 secured the spot and Montella’s men headed into the clash with cautious optimism. Indeed, they were in fifth place in the league at the time, just five points from second place and with a game in hand (which they eventually won).

Many of us hoped for a miracle in the 2015-16 Coppa Italia final as well, don’t get me wrong, but a win in that game always seemed far-fetched. The feeling was completely different for the Supercoppa clash, perhaps because it was a game of less pedigree that didn’t take place in Rome (Doha instead), but there is also no doubt that some nerves crept in for Juventus.

I remember the game as a very close affair, with both teams refusing to take big risks, and the possession reflected that with 51-49% in favour of Milan. Far more impressive than the possession, though, was the fact that the Rossoneri managed to come back from a goal behind (scored by Giorgio Chiellini) as Bonaventura equalised shortly after with a perfect header. It was a great cross by Suso too, it must be said.

A win inside 90 minutes wasn’t far away either, as Alessio Romagnoli struck the bar with a complex header. The storyline was the same in extra-time, as the goal was left gaping when Carlos Bacca decided to take a touch rather than slot it into the open net first-time. Paulo Dybala also skied a big chance, but it still felt like the Rossoneri didn’t grab the bull by the horns as the game proceeded to penalties.

Nevertheless, the penalty shootout is what we remember the most and rightfully so, seeing just how sweet it was to beat Juventus like that. It’s probably one of the best shootouts I have seen to date from Milan, aside from Gianluca Lapadula’s shocking effort, as the strikes from Bonaventura, Juraj Kucka, Suso and Pasalic were all perfect. The latter, at that time just 21 years old, stepped up as the fifth taker and sealed the deal with a shot that couldn’t get any closer to the crossbar (without hitting it).

As the Croatian wheeled away in a Montella-esque celebration, Milan clinched their first major trophy since the Supercoppa against Inter in 2011. At the same time, the Rossoneri fans got the perfect Christmas present and hopes of a proper return to the top had never been more prominent. Of course, we still had to wait a few years for that, but the 2016 Suppercoppa win will always be close to our hearts for how it came about. Buon Natale and happy holidays!

News Bulletin

➤ It was yet another disappointing result for Daniele Bonera and Milan Futuro as Virtus Entella prevailed 2-1 at the weekend. Despite grabbing an equaliser through Kevin Zeroli, and having Francesco Camarda on the pitch, the Rossoneri failed to hold onto the point. Virtus Entella are second in the standings so it was rather expected, but it doesn’t take anything away from Milan’s dire situation (now in 18th place).

➤ Milan Primavera clinched three important points against a struggling Monza side, building on the win against Sassuolo. Matteo Dutu opened the scoring with a great header on a corner and the star Filippo Scotti then sealed the deal with a lovely solo goal. Federico Guidi’s boys will be back in action in January and currently sit in third place with 31 points - five points off first place.

➤ Milan are considering an ‘overhaul’ of sorts on the attacking flanks as Samuel Chukwueze and Noah Okafor have failed to impress. One of them could be sold in January to free up a slot on the squad list, with the Swiss international being the most likely candidate, and Milan are monitoring Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche and Stuttgart’s Jamie Leweling on the incoming front.

➤ There have been contradicting reports regarding Milan’s midfield pursuit in recent days. While the Rossoneri are monitoring several names for the role, Ismael Bennacer’s return has changed the situation slightly. Indeed, the management could evaluate his status in the upcoming games before deciding on a reinforcement, perhaps allocating that budget elsewhere if he does well.

➤ Gerry Cardinale’s interview with Harvard University caused a great stir among Milan fans, which is something we looked at in a recent feature. From the main quotes to what it means for the Rossoneri, we have you covered. The situation has also taken a rather bizarre turn for the newspapers, as the quotes were supposedly never meant to be cited in the media, with Harvard having a very strict copyright policy.

➤ Opaleak, who are generally quite reliable when it comes to information on kits, have provided some initial details on Milan’s third shirt for 2025-26. It will be mainly yellow - like the 1995-97 third shirt - with light brown and light grey accents.