Seven teams, six weeks, four spots [Newsletter]

AC Milan bounced back in the league with a win against Lecce this weekend and it was indeed a crucial game for the Rossoneri. Inter may have won their game, but both Juventus and Roma lost theirs, meaning the top-four race remains wide-open with seven games left.

The top-four race has been a huge topic of discussion in the last few weeks, fueled by the fact that Juventus got their 15 points back as they await a new verdict. The Bianconeri and Roma had the opportunity to assert themselves in the top four this past weekend, but instead Milan and Inter reminded them of their presence. As always, if you want the news bulletin straight away, scroll down!

Milan managed to beat Lecce 2-0 thanks to a fantastic display by Rafael Leao, who really has found his stride in these last few weeks. The Portuguese winger will be crucial for the Rossoneri not just in the top-four race, but also for the Champions League semi-final against Inter.

Back to the league, however, it looks like the top four will come down to the wire. Just nine points separate Lazio in second place and Atalanta in 7th, meaning we have six candidates in the race as Napoli already have secured their spot. Inter have the toughest schedule between now and the end of the season, but a lot can happen.

Milan and Inter are obviously both affected by the Champions League, which will require a lot of energy especially from one of these teams (whoever will make the final). In short, the top-four race will not be decided next week and not the week after either, but most likely on the final matchday.

As for the Rossoneri, the win against Lecce was a much-needed confidence boost in the league. Leao’s two goals helped a lot, obviously, but Stefano Pioli’s men also managed to control the game well especially in the second half. It was complete domination from the midfield then.

Using Rade Krunic and Sandro Tonali in the tandem, with Ismael Bennacer further up, has been a great solution just as it was when Franck Kessie played in that advanced role last season. And Brahim Diaz has been playing much better on the right flank anyway, so his forced move has only improved things.

News bulletin

➤ Milan Primavera side fell at the semi-final hurdle as they were beaten 3-1 by Hajduk Split in the UEFA Youth League in Switzerland on Sunday. Ignazio Abate's side dominated and played the better football, but were less physical and clinical than their opponents from Croatia.

➤ The AC Milan Women secured three very important points at the weekend not just for the standings, but also because they were up against city rivals Inter. The Rossonere scored in the 81st and 83rd minute - courtesy of Martine Piemonte and Valery Vigilucci - to win 3-1.

➤ There were two interesting guests in the Milan dressing room after the Lecce win: Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernandez. According to the reliable MilanNews, the Rossoneri management are monitoring Pavard's situation given he is a close friend of Olivier Giroud and his contract expires in June 2024

➤ Both The Times and The Telegraph in England are reporting that Milan have shown interest in signing Kyle Walker from Manchester City in the summer transfer window after the Englishman fell out of favour under Pep Guardiola.

➤ Stefano Pioli racked up an important milestone during the game against Lecce as it marked his 100th win as AC Milan boss, and his journey from initial interim boss to Scudetto and Champions League drought-ender has been recalled.

➤ La Gazzetta dello Sport are reporting that Milan could go in search of some Italian players in the summer, to help in the compiling of the UEFA squad lists. Tommaso Baldanzi of Empoli, Gianluca Scamacca of West Ham and Nicolo Zaniolo were mentioned as targets.

In case you missed it

Make sure to check out the latest podcast episode, as well as the bonus podcast (only available here on Substack!). You can also read our latest bonus article which takes a look at what missing out on the Champions League would mean financially, and if this season’s success can offset that.