One more to go [Newsletter]

May 21, 2026

😅 Almost done

After nine long months, the final game of the season is upon us. Cagliari have already secured salvation, San Siro is sold out, and a lot of money is on the line for Milan. In other words, a perfect situation for something to go wrong, although the feeling is that the Rossoneri will be able to get over the line. It might even be enough with one point to finish in the top four.

We would be talking about a very different situation if it hadn’t been for the win against Genoa last weekend, so kudos to Christopher Nkunku and Zachary Athekame for playing leading roles in that one. Two summer signings who have received a lot of criticism, by the way, so it must have felt nice for them to make such heavy contributions. And there is a chance to do it all again this Sunday.

That said, most Milan fans just want the season to end at this point. It doesn’t really matter how the Rossoneri get over the line Champions League-wise as long as they do it, which also says a lot about what the last few weeks have been like. Utter chaos on and off the pitch, almost as if a crisis committee is needed. I’m sure there will be something like that, but for now, let’s just get the job done.

🤔 A new Cardinale?

In case you missed it, Cardinale was present at the Marassi for Milan’s win against Genoa. He even spoke to the team in the dressing room before and after the game, which can definitely be interpreted as a signal of an increased presence. Especially since reports suggest that he will be at the Cagliari game too, eager to show that he does care about the club.

What interests me, more so than his presence at the games, is the fact that Cardinale has been going into the locker room. It might not sound that strange at face value. After all, it’s very common for club owners in Italy to express their support in person. However, the RedBird founder has previously said that he never wants to do it, taking inspiration from his late mentor George Steinbrenner…

“George said to me, ‘Whatever you do, never go into the locker room. They have a job to do and they are never going to be your friends’. People always tell me that I should come into the locker room after the games, but I will not do that because of George,” he said in 2024.

So, what changed? Who knows, but the trend change is definitely worth keeping an eye on in light of the corporate chaos that is surrounding the club.

📋 Milan Bulletin

Below, we have collected the most important Milan news from the last week, including our longer reads, match results and newspaper reports.

⚽ Match Results

Milan Futuro captain Emanuele Sala provided an in-depth reflection on a campaign that was largely positive but ended in heartbreak. In the meantime, both Andrea Di Siena and Alessandro Bonomi committed their futures to Milan by signing new contracts.

AC Milan Women were unable to end a rollercoaster 2025-26 campaign on a positive note as they were beaten 1-0 by Ternana in their last game. A 92nd-minute winner was the final blow in a disappointing season, with Champions League qualification having been ruled out prior.

📰 Latest News

It has been another few days full of rumours about changes at the corporate level. Board member Massimo Calvelli is expected to acquire more influence, while Adriano Galliani’s possible return is gaining momentum. Zlatan Ibrahimovic seems to have stuck his foot in it, and there is confusion about Igli Tare’s position.

Mercato round-up: Allegri could be given some Champions League gifts in his attempt to create a ‘more European’ Milan; interest in a Crystal Palace star remains; Salah is a surprise target; Bernardo Silva is being eyed as a free agent signing; an Atletico Madrid defender is in the crosshairs; Jorge Mendes could have a big say in Milan’s summer.

🔍 Longer Reads

Our longer reads from over the past week include a Devil’s Advocate column titled ‘insert competence and save AC Milan’, a look at why Leao could be heading for a sad farewell on Sunday, plus the five main talking points and the tactical analysis from the win over Genoa.