Must-wins and 50-50s [Newsletter]
In the next three weeks, including this one, AC Milan will play a total of six games due to this week’s mid-week Serie A round and then the Champions League semi-final clashes. As a result of this, it’s a crucial period for the Rossoneri as they continue their pursuit of a top-four finish.
The draw against Roma wasn’t what we hoped for, but it’s hard to say that it wasn’t expected. Jose Mourinho and his men were always going to play a very defensive and dirty game against Milan, it was written in the stars, it’s just a shame that Stefano Pioli’s men couldn’t find a way through despite controlling most of the game. As always, if you want the news bulletin straight away, scroll down!
Given just how tight the top-four race is, though, we now have to look forward and consider it as one point gained rather than two points lost (even though it is the latter). The season finale will be packed with drama from the league, not to mention the Champions League games against Inter. Therefore, the team needs our support.
The remaining six games in the league are all very important, of course, but looking at the opponents it’s clear that we can put them in two categories: must-wins or 50-50s. The good news for Milan is that four of these six games are considered must-wins, even if that is an added pressure in itself.
We’re of course talking about the games against Cremonese, Spezia, Sampdoria and Hellas Verona. The ones against Lazio and Juventus, meanwhile, are for sure a lot tougher but could paradoxically suit Milan better as they struggle against sides that defend deep. Regardless, the categories still apply.
The game against Cremonese later today (Wednesday) will set the tone for the season finale and thus it’s extremely important for Milan to come away with the win. Cremonese still have a mathematical chance of staying in the league so they will surely give their all, but they need to win and this could open them up enough for the Rossoneri to succeed.
Interestingly enough, looking at the standings right now, the must-wins mentioned above are against the 17th-20th placed teams in the league. It goes without saying that Milan probably have the easiest schedule in the top-four race, even though some would argue it’s better to face the teams that have nothing to play for.
News bulletin
➤ AC Milan’s Primavera side rebounded from the disappointment of their UEFA Youth League semi-final loss in the perfect way by beating the runaway league leaders Lecce 3-1. Kevin Zeroli, Chaka Traore and Diego Sia got the goals.
➤ The Milan Women faced Juventus over the weekend and after a rough start - conceding after just 11 seconds - the Rossonere managed to fight back and eventually secured a 3-3 draw which keeps them in third place.
➤ There have been a number of sources suggesting that Ricky Massara could leave Milan to reunite with Max Allegri at Juventus as their sporting director. However, our information suggests that he has told Paolo Maldini he wants to stay and will actually extend his deal with the Rossoneri until 2026.
➤ Zlatan Ibrahimovic has decided that he wants to keep playing and he hopes for a new deal from Milan, according to Sky. However, he might not get one and Monza are waiting to swoop if he were to leave.
➤ Gianluca Di Marzio reported that Milan have a strong interest in signing right-back Ivan Fresneda from Real Valladolid. He could be a replacement for Sergino Dest, though there is strong competition for the 18-year-old.
➤ Toulouse managed to win the Coupe de France beating Nantes 5-1 in the final. This earned them a Europa League spot, and there has been plenty of speculation regarding what this means given the rules for UEFA competitions as the Ligue 1 side are also owned by RedBird.
In case you missed it
Make sure to check out the latest podcast episode, as well as the bonus podcast which will be published later today (don’t worry, well before the game). You can also read our latest bonus article which discusses why criticism is so important for a club like Milan, aiming to return to its former glory.