The calm after the storm [Newsletter]

AC Milan have secured qualification for next season’s Champions League and the current campaign has more or less come to an end already, even if one game remains. Indeed, the feeling is that this is a rather underwhelming climax to what has been a roller coaster of a season.

Milan headed into the game against Juventus knowing that they needed just one point to secure a top-four finish. All, of course, thanks to the Bianconeri’s ten-point deduction which was justified, but certainly swung everything in the Rossoneri’s favour in the top-four race.

The game itself was a rather dull one, with Juventus already looking defeated and Milan almost gifting them a few goals. In the end, Olivier Giroud stepped up with a lovely header and took his tally up to 17 goals for the season (all competitions). Even so, Milan know that they need a new starting striker next season.

One game remains before the definite closure of the 2022/23 season, with Milan taking on Hellas Verona in front of a sold San Siro on Sunday evening. The Rossoneri have very little to play for, but depending on the result of Inter’s game on Saturday third place could be within reach.

Verona, on the other hand, are fighting for their survival in the league and it could make for an interesting clash. But it goes without saying that the emotions are rather underwhelming, in spite the fact that Milan reached the Champions League semi-final and now have top four. Perhaps we are all just a bit tired.

The season has indeed been a roller coaster in every sense and we can only hope that Milan will make the right reinforcements this summer. Paolo Maldini, Ricky Massara and Stefano Pioli will all remain and they have a decent foundation to build on, but it’s never easy to get exactly what you want on the mercato.

On a final note, it remains to be seen if Zlatan Ibrahimovic will get a few minutes against Verona on Sunday. It’s most likely his final Milan game and it would be a lovely farewell, but he’s still recovering from injury and might not make it in time. In any case, he will be at San Siro for a farewell.

News bulletin

➤ AC Milan's Primavera side ended their season with a 0-0 draw against fourth-placed Sassuolo. Ignazio Abate said after the game that he is 'very proud' of his team for a season which saw them reach the final four in the UEFA Youth League and finish 12th domestically with 45 points from 34 games.

➤ Milan's Women ensured that they finished third with a 1-0 victory away at Inter on the final day as Christy Grimshaw scored the winner. Third does not bring qualification for the Women’s Champions League, but there are rumours UEFA could ban Juventus Women from the UWCL and thus the Rossonere could get in.

➤ One of the most crucial summers in Milan’s recent history is coming up, with various tough decisions to make and the absolute necessity to keep the project moving forward. We wrote a glass-half-full feature about why there is actually a big opportunity to capitalise on the continuity the club has compared to rivals. 

➤ It will not just be a summer of shiny new signings, with the future of existing squad members to be resolved. Sky provided an update on Divock Origi, Ante Rebic, Brahim Diaz and Charles De Ketelaere.

➤ Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara are busy at work to complete the attacking department. Nicolas Jackson of Villarreal is the latest striker linked, while there is also the desire to sign a right winger who guarantees attacking output too. 

➤ Milan are getting close to fully abandoning the new stadium project next to the current San Siro and moving to a different area. In 2025 a cultural interest restriction will automatically come into effect on the second tier of the current San Siro meaning it cannot be demolished, complicating the plans.

➤ Milan have reached an agreement with Daichi Kamada on a five-year deal worth €3m per season. The Japanese playmaker has rejected the likes of Atletico Madrid and Dortmund in the process, and the medical tests should take place next week.

In case you missed it

Make sure to check out the latest podcast episode, as well as the latest bonus podcast (only available on Substack!). You can also read our latest bonus article which explains Milan's 2023-24 mercato in financial terms.