Now it’s the Top 4 Serie A race
After failing to come up against their city rivals in the Champions League semi-finals, AC Milan can now only continue to participate in the continent’s most prestigious tournament next season if it is in the Top 4 of Serie A, where they currently ranked 5th with 4 points worse than Lazio.
Milan do not have the right to self-determination, so they are forced to win the remaining 3 matches of the season (against Sampdoria and Hellas Verona at home, away against Juventus), and look forward to the top teams Lazio, Inter and Juventus. Juventus tripped at least… 2 times. It is not easy when besides Sampdoria having been relegated, the remaining 2 matches will be very difficult, especially the match against direct rival Juventus on the opponent’s field, while Hellas Verona is still thirsty for points. in the relegation battle.
Therefore, in the statement of technical director Paolo Maldini after the defeat against Inter this morning, he even mentioned “seeing what happens with Juventus”. Because of the possibility, Juve being deducted points as well as being banned from the European Cup next season may be a “lifesaver” for Milan. At that time, the Rossoneri only needed to successfully defend the current 5th position against the 6th Roma (2 points behind them) and the 7th Atalanta (3 points behind) to have a ticket to the Champions League through the “back door”.
Milan needs change, even from the top
But no matter what happens, the complete loss to Inter yesterday as well as the risk of facing a missed appointment with the Champions League at this time is also signaling a new cycle in Milan will have to open soon. Three and a half years with Milan, Stefano Pioli has brought Milan back to the Champions League arena after many years of missed appointments and even won the Scudetto in the 2021/22 season, but that seems to be beyond the ability of this coach.
Pioli’s talent is not denied, but he is absolutely not the Sacchi, Capello, Ancelotti or even Allegri to be able to build a long dynasty to conquer all competitions. Milan could not go any further because of the limited ability of Pioli, who was actually selected at the end of 2019 when the Rossoneri could not pull Spalletti out of the contract with Inter.
Currently, the BLD of Milan is not clear about replacing Pioli (depending on whether they attend next year’s Champions League or not) but if they keep the same set of BLDs (the positions of technical director Maldini and sporting director Massara are also being considered after a long time). the 2022/23 transfer season is a complete failure), then next season is likely to be worse than this season if there are no positive changes in the transfer market.
Milan’s summer 2023 major surgery
The hot seat is unclear, but there will definitely be a big blood change this summer when La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Milan can split up to… a squad in the summer of 2023. Two goalkeepers Tatarusanu & Mirante, and Mr. General Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s contract expires. The loan contracts of Bakayoko (Chelsea), Dest (Barcelona) and Vranckx (Wolfsburg) were returned to the host club, only the case of Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid) was considered. Meanwhile, Adli (if offered), Rebic, Messias, Origi and Ballo-Toure will be up for sale.
At the same time, Milan will bring in 6-7 new contracts, of which 3 positions will ensure the main kick: a midfielder with the role of Kessie (something that the Maldini – Massara duo should have done last season), A right winger and a striker share the responsibility of scoring with Giroud.
It will be a busy and hectic summer in San Siro…
Milan lost to compatriots for the first time in the European Cup
For the first time in history, Milan lost the final of their compatriots in the European Cup after 6 previous victories. Their victims in the Champions League were Napoli (this season’s quarterfinals), Juventus (2002/03 final), Inter twice (2002/03 semi-finals and 2004/05 quarterfinals), and two other teams in the Super League. The European Cups were Parma (1993) and Sampdoria (1990).
