Three points that speak volumes [Newsletter]

Apr 03, 2024

AC Milan clinched three huge points at the weekend, beating Fiorentina by two goals to one away from home, and it’s a win that speaks volumes. It was the Rossoneri’s first win at Stadio Artemio Franchi since the 2020-21 season and it also extended their current winning run to six games. By the looks of it, Stefano Pioli and his men have turned this around.

We can all remember the doubts towards the end of 2023, above all after the 2-2 draw against Salernitana, and it really seemed like we would be in for a tough season finale. Slip-ups against Atalanta, Monza and Stade Rennes didn’t exactly help, but the fact remains that Milan have lost just these three games in 2024. Other than that, 13 wins and two draws, helping them reclaim second place and reach the EL quarters.

The win against Fiorentina, however, was the most telling as Milan have struggled tremendously at Artemio Franchi - and against Vincenzo Italiano teams - for years now. Yet, they came out and dominated the affair in the first 25 minutes or so, which is a very unusual sight at that stadium. The game ended up being a bit tighter, but the Rossoneri won deservedly and really should have scored more goals.

Questions can still be asked about the defending in some instances, such as the goal conceded, but it looked much better than what we have seen in other games. Not to mention that the attack is completely on fire, with Rafael Leao back in his best form and Ruben Loftus-Cheek constantly making his way into the box. Many more players can be mentioned, of course, but the point is that Milan have stepped up compared to, say, last season.

The upcoming game against Lecce, scheduled for Saturday afternoon, is a must-win to build on the momentum ahead of the Roma clashes. Milan will start at home and a good result could make all the difference, as playing in front of a full Stadio Olimpico - with Daniele De Rossi energising the fans - won’t be easy for the Rossoneri. To succeed, however, Pioli must do what has been his biggest struggle since taking over the club: finding consistency.

Milan’s squad is certainly good enough to perform consistently, especially now that there aren’t too many injuries, and the manager thus has no excuses. This could also be a litmus test in view of next season, as the Rossoneri directors are yet to make a final decision on Pioli’s future. A stay is not out of the question and a strong season finale could perhaps make this a reality.

News bulletin

➤ Milan’s Primavera side recorded another big win on Monday afternoon against Juventus, emerging 1-0 victors at the Allianz Training Center thanks to a goal from Francesco Camarda. While waiting for news on the striker's renewal, Diego Sia put pen to paper on a new long-term deal.

➤ The Milan Women followed up their hammering of Pomigliano the week prior by scoring four again in a 4-1 win away at Como. Dompig, Vigilucci and Laurent (2) got the goals in the rout.

➤ Stefano Pioli could be set for another season as the Milan coach despite constant speculation suggesting that he will be replaced in the summer, according to Sky, but it remains to be seen if that will be enough in the eyes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

➤ Christian Pulisic’s father did a great interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport in which he revealed that his son loves Milan and will not be leaving in the summer. He also named the striker he would like the club to sign.

➤ Milan continue to be linked with various transfer targets ahead of the summer. Youssouf Fofana is the latest name for the midfield and he seems to have publicly given approval to the idea of joining, while Maxence Lacroix is the hot name for the defence. Joshua Zirkzee remains the first choice for the attack, and a player-plus-cash bid is being lined up.

➤ One of the most interesting things that emerged from the win over Fiorentina was how Pioli changed Milan's press, moving the positions of Giroud, Leao, Reijnders and Loftus-Cheek around to mimic something we have seen from Ignazio Abate's Primavera.