Milan are making moves on and off the pitch - perfect week and sponsorship opportunities
While on paper Milan faced a much less demanding test on Sunday afternoon, compared to the previous two games, it was still a very important one for the Rossoneri. In this week’s edition, we take a look at the end of the ‘perfect week’ and also some interesting news updates about the club.
Stefano Pioli’s men are flying high at the moment and as a result of Inter’s draw against Napoli, they are in first place. This wouldn’t have been the case if they hadn’t beaten Sampdoria by one goal to nil on Sunday afternoon, though, which says a lot about its importance. After all, momentum has shifted a bit.
Three heavy points…
With two big wins in the bag, there were indeed concerns of a ‘hungover performance’ for Milan against Sampdoria. That didn’t really end up being the case as although the Rossoneri ‘only’ won 1-0 despite many chances, it was a hard-fought game and a perfect display at the back.
Sampdoria had just one shot on target throughout the entire game and the defence stability was thus highlighted again. The icing on the cake was Mike Maignan’s assist, picking out Rafael Leao on the left flank for the opener and winner. But to get back to the overall assessment of the win, it’s one that speaks volumes.
First place was at stake and there was a shift in momentum (with regards to Inter) to claim. It’s these types of games that we have seen Milan lose so many times in the past few years and also a few times this season (Sassuolo, Spezia for example). The clash wasn’t put to bed with a second goal, but it was put to bed by a brilliant defence.
That’s why, in addition to the fact they claimed 9/9 points, the Milan players had every right to describe it as a ‘perfect week’ despite a far from exciting last display. Indeed, it’s a week that could end up meaning a lot for the Rossoneri in the Scudetto race.
A few updates, from on and off the pitch…
Marko Lazetic was left out of Milan’s squad for the game against Sampdoria. Don’t worry, it wasn’t due to an injury. Stefano Pioli and his staff want to give the Serbian time to get into his best condition, which is why they have put him on a personalised program. He will soon be back on the bench, therefore. As for Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pioli has confirmed that we will have to wait a little longer for his return (Salernitana is at risk).
There are some good news on the renewal front as, after Theo Hernandez, Ismael Bennacer is just an announcement away from renewing his contract with Milan as well. Leao should be next in line after the Algerian, with talks currently ongoing. Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara are confident and feel that the Theo renewal can cause a domino effect.
Ivan Gazidis is working tirelessly to improve the revenue of the club and it seems there could be some significant increases on the cards. Milan want their sponsorship deal with Fly Emirates to increase from a fixed €14m per year to €20m, while talks are also ongoing to increase the PUMA deal (worth €13m per year). Furthermore, Milan are in talks with Wefox Italia over a sponsorship deal for the back of the shirt. Such a deal would be worth around €6-8m per year.
Speaking of PUMA, the AC Milan x KING collection has now been launched and is available to buy on their website, as well as Milan’s. The heritage collection features a retro look and we have a feeling that PUMA will be selling a lot of the track top.
A final word…
Milan will take on Salernitana and Udinese in their next two games and they are considered must-wins. Not just because the Scudetto race is so tight right now, but also because they need the confidence ahead of a week that includes clashes against Inter (Coppa Italia first leg) and Napoli (away from home).
It’s been a good week for the Rossoneri fans, that’s for sure, and hopefully there will be more positives to recap/update on in the coming weeks. Speaking of, we hope to provide you with that and more in this newsletter. For the derby, two members of the SempreMilan family will be in town and that should make for some good content to share with you all. Until then, Forza Milan!