Conceicao Comeback [Newsletter]

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Jan 15, 2025

Sergio Conceicao clinched his first Serie A win as the head coach of AC Milan last night, but it was far from easy. Once again, a comeback was needed in a game with many ups and downs for the Rossoneri, though the three points are all that matters anyway. Not to mention that three wins and one draw in the first four games is far from a bad start for the 50-year-old.

The Cagliari draw was a huge blow for Milan and there was rightfully some concern among the fans as we headed into yesterday’s game. It was another opponent that the Rossoneri, at least on paper, had to beat and unfortunately it panned out as some had expected. I say unfortunately despite the win, because Como put Conceicao’s men in difficulty several times and could have scored much earlier than they did.

The new signing Assane Diao, who arrived just a few days before the game, stepped up to the plate and got the better out of Theo Hernandez. The latter would have the last laugh but at that point, things were looking very bleak for Milan. However, one well-chosen sub and the inevitable Conceicao comeback energy changed the course of the game, as the Rossoneri put some more effort into their plays.

A wicked Theo Hernandez strike and a lovely Leao dink later, Milan had turned yet another game around under Conceicao. Much like the other comebacks, it wasn’t always pretty but the team got the job done and clinched three crucial points in the top-four race. In this situation, I do believe we cannot ask for much more, especially with Christian Pulisic and Alvaro Morata avoiding injuries.

Unfortunately, Malick Thiaw - arguably our best defender lately - suffered a muscle injury and will be re-evaluated in 7-10 days. One would have to assume that Matteo Gabbia and Fikayo Tomori will partner up against Juventus, seeing as Strahinja Pavlovic hasn’t played since December 3. It’s not like the Serbian did well when he got the chance either, so the decision feels obvious.

Taking a look at the standings, it’s clear that the next few games will be very important for Milan. There is an opportunity to leapfrog both Juventus and Fiorentina very soon, while Lazio have gone from strong to questionable in terms of form. Indeed, after the Bianconeri clash, the Rossoneri will be up against Parma at home and six points from those games would be a great boost ahead of the derby.

So, in addition to climbing the standings, we are also talking about an opportunity to build confidence and hopefully display better football ahead of the derby. The latter will no doubt be very difficult but beating the Nerazzurri three times in a season would put us on cloud nine. It would also limit Simone Inzaghi’s side in the Scudetto race; an added bonus for sure.

News Bulletin

➤ Milan Futuro fell to an embarrassing defeat in their first home game of 2025 as they were hammered 5-1 by Torres having trailed 4-0 at half-time. This has led to reflections on Daniele Bonera's position, while a journalist confirmed the original plan was to promote Ignazio Abate before he left.

➤ Milan’s Primavera side booked their place in the final eight of the cup with a penalty shootout win over Genoa following a 1-1 draw after extra time. Paloschi scored a second-half equaliser on Saturday as they battled from behind to get a point away against Atalanta in the league.

➤ AC Milan Women started off 2025 in brilliant fashion as they ran riot against Napoli at the PUMA House of Football. They ended up winning 6-0 against the Azzurre, with five different scorers including a brace from Dompig.

➤ Milan have won three of their four games under Sergio Conceicao, but you'd be forgiven for thinking he is an unhappy man. Firstly he branded the first half against Cagliari as the worst of his career, then he complained about having to do pre-match interviews before the Como game, and after the full-time whistle he suggested the team aren't at the required fitness levels post-Fonseca.

➤ The latest transfer news: Noah Okafor’s move to RB Leipzig collapsed after he did his medical amid conflicting reports, Milan have been linked with Cyril Ngonge of Napoli, a response is awaited from Marcus Rashford, Saba Goglichidze is an option for the defence and Kyle Walker is a possibility to reinforce the right-back position.

➤ One of the topics that will have to provide answers in the coming months is the future of Milan's management. Geoffrey Moncada's deal is expiring and we have already written about his present and future at length, while Giovanni Sartori has emerged as a candidate to join the Rossoneri.