Category: Ac Milan FC

When Milan hosts Lazio in San Siro on Sunday night in Serie A, Kyle Walker is expected to make a comeback, while Joao Felix is likely to be left out of the starting lineup.

After a terrible run of results over the past three games, including successive Serie A losses to Bologna and Torino, which followed the unfortunate Champions League exit against Feyenoord, Sergio Conceicao is in serious need of revenge.

It’s possible that Christian Pulisic may replace Joao Felix in Milan’s starting lineup.

Tijjani Reijnders could start in the trequartista position between Rafael Leao and Pulisic in a little personnel move.

Last time out, Yunus Musah started on the right wing, but he might rejoin Youssouf Fofana in central midfield.

After missing Thursday’s 2-1 loss to Bologna, Kyle Walker is returning and is anticipated to take his natural place at right-back, with Alex Jimenez probably being left out of the starting lineup.

After Lazio’s 2-0 loss to Inter in the Coppa Italia quarterfinal earlier this week, Loum Tchaouna may continue to start up front for the Biancocelesti while Taty Castellanos, Elseid Hysaj, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru are still sidelined due to injuries.

Despite the cup loss to Inter, the majority of the team is anticipated to stay the same.

Matteo Guendouzi and Nicolo Rovella in midfield, as well as Boulaye Dia, Gustav Isaksen, and Mattia Zaccagni in attack, are all expected to return.

Both Pedro and Reda Belahyane might start on the bench, but there is a chance that they will be given a chance.

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Through Paramount+, supporters in the USA may tune in.In Italy, DAZN will broadcast the game. Come follow the Football Italia Liveblog for all the build-up to the game, in-game coverage, and post-match reactions.

 

 

Gerry Cardinale and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are working to choose the new sporting director of AC Milan and they look like they want to decide quickly.

 

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Cardinale and Ibrahimovic have met at least three candidates in recent weeks. The first is Andrea Berta, the second is Fabio Paratici and the third is Igli Tare, the man currently leading the race.

 

Berta has also spoken with Arsenal, a negotiation that has begun and could have a positive turn at the beginning of next week. Milan are a spectator because the Brescia-born former Atletico defender seems to have given preference to the Gunners.

 

Tare is ‘considered a guaranteed solution’ with almost 15 years of work as sporting director of Lazio. It is not easy to work under Claudio Lotito and yet he made some great signings, and he is ready to return to work after two years without a job.

 

Paratici is seen as another ‘high-level candidate’ and, interestingly, he already spoke with Milan years ago, at the beginning of the Elliott Management era. In January 2023 was banned for 30 months at the end of the investigation into Juventus’ capital gains.

 

He will be able to return to operating at 100% from July 20 but, as decided on appeal in April 2023, he can still work with reduced duties for a club. It would not be a problem for him to therefore start immediately for Milan.

 

Cardinale and Ibrahimovic are looking for a highly experienced sporting director, with knowledge of Italy. If it continues down this path it will be a U-turn compared to the choice made in 2023 when Milan – after Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara left – chose a structure without a sporting director.

AC Milan’s already slim hopes of making the top four were dealt perhaps a decisive blow as they lost 2-1 against Bologna on Thursday night.

The home side had the better of proceedings in the first half but it was Milan who went in a goal up thanks to Rafael Leao.

A flick-on from Santiago Gimenez was collected and he rounded the goalkeeper to slot in just before the break.

The Rossoneri fell apart in the second half, though, with Santiago Castro first equalizing from close range after a free kick found its way to him and Dan Ndoye finishing the comeback with a goal from a few yards out.

Milan is now eight points behind Juventus in fourth place and three behind their hosts Bologna, meaning that any hopes of qualifying for the Champions League are now definitely gone bar the shouting.

Christian Pulisic was benched and Youssouf Fofana returned to the starting lineup, marking Sergio Conceicao’s only alteration from the squad that lost to Torino on Saturday.

It required a reorganization, with Joao Felix and Santiago Gimenez up front and Yunus Musah nearer to the right.

Milan got off to a strong start and had a half-open first sixty seconds.

Perhaps a bit behind him, Musah found Gimenez with a ball, and the Mexican’s left-footed attempt went over the bar.

After putting in his own net against Torino, Malick Thiaw came very close to another humiliating own goal during the hectic start at the Stadio Renato dall’Ara, but he knew far less about that one.

In the early exchanges, the right side was more prominently involved.

After being located by Jimenez, Musah made a save from Skorupski’s knees from a close angle, but it was actually a narrow angle.

In the 25th minute, the Rossoneri had a genuine chance when Theo Hernandez was substituted out without a free kick.

Ferguson then found Ndoye running in behind, but Strahinja Pavlovic did just enough to knock him off balance as he shot.

With Mike Maignan making what can only be described as a reaction stop to keep out a cross and Fofana having penalty appeals waved away after coming down inside the area, the game remained end-to-end.

Eight minutes before to halftime, Maignan was called upon once more when Dominguez, who was fed by Ndoye on the left side of the box, easily ducked past Alex Jimenez but fired a close-range effort at the goalie.

Rafael Leao gave Milan the lead with just over two minutes remaining before halftime. Gimenez skillfully flicked on a long ball from Maignan to find the Portuguese winger running in behind, who turned Skorupski and tapped in with his left foot.

Milan changed their defensive strategy in the second half, and Bologna equalized the score in less than three minutes.

Fabbian’s chest-down was shot in from close range by Castro after Theo gave up a free kick and a yellow card on the left side.

Both an offside and a handball on the assist were appealed, but they were dismissed, therefore the score was 1-1.

Then, without really generating many clear-cut opportunities, Bologna seized the lead.

However, one hour in Conceicao decided to alter the attack by substituting Christian Pulisic for Felix.

Bologna were very close to taking the lead twice in quick succession when Casale’s glancing header from a corner crashed off the post and then Cambiaghi connected sweetly with the rebound but sent it just over the bar.

 

They were not to be denied on their next attack though as Ndoye put the home side in front. Cambiaghi sent in a wonderful cross from the left side and Pavlovic was beaten to it at the near post, with Ndoye stabbing home from close range.

 

A final roll of the dice followed from the Milan coach with Jimenez – who had appealed that the ball went out in the build-up to the second Bologna goal – came off for Tammy Abraham.

With Casale’s glanced header from a corner crashing off the post and Cambiaghi’s lovely connection with the rebound but just over the bar, Bologna came extremely close to grabbing the lead twice in rapid succession.

However, Ndoye put the home team ahead on their following attack, so they couldn’t be stopped.

Ndoye scored from close range after Cambiaghi’s brilliant cross from the left side was beat to the near post by Pavlovic.

The Milan coach then made one more decision, and Jimenez, who had argued that the ball had gone out during the build-up to the second Bologna goal, was replaced by Tammy Abraham.

 

 

 

Sergio Conceicao was only hired two months ago by AC Milan, but there is a real risk that he may not even make it to the end of the season.

 

According to SportMediaset, the situation between Milan and Conceiçao is ‘complicated and almost compromised’. This is not only because of the league placement, with the Rossoneri now eight points behind the Champions League places, but also because of the coach’s words.

 

The Portuguese showed after the defeat to Bologna last night that he is feeling the pressure and seemed to acknowledge that the rumours surrounding him are growing in volume. He even gave the classic ‘if you want I’m leaving’ response, for the third time this season.

 

It was a clear message to the club, and even the words of Rafael Leao caused some worry because he stated that the choice to attack only by exploiting long balls was a clear indication from the coach, and not ‘good football’ in the winger’s eyes.

 

Milan have two choices: the first is to keep the current coach until June, the second is to resort to a caretaker for the rest of the campaign. The name that stands out is Mauro Tassotti, who led the Rossoneri together with Cesare Maldini in 2000-01, including the 6-0 win over Inter.

 

Tassotti returned to the club of his heart recently when he joined the technical staff of Milan Futuro. He could be the right person to lead the team towards a dignified end to the season, then the ‘umpteenth revolution’ will begin.

 

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Sandro Tonali has insisted he holds “no regrets” about joining Newcastle United despite continued pressure for an AC Milan reunion.

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Italian media outlets have been stirring up trouble ever since the 24-year-old ditched the San Siro for St James’ Park. Tonali arrived for £55million in July 2023 as one of Europe’s brightest midfield talents.

 

He became a household name in Italy after helping Milan win Serie A – and Newcastle came calling a year later. However, just 12 games into his Toon career, the midfielder was given a 10-month ban for breaching betting regulations.

 

 

 

Newcastle rallied around Tonali and are now reaping the rewards, with his position change to deep-lying midfielder transforming the season. But that has not quashed speculation from the continent linking him with a possible Milan return.

 

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La Gazzetta dello Sport reported in December that Tonali is unhappy at Newcastle. Prominent journalist Gianluca Di Marzio also suggested he could join Real Madrid or Manchester City at the end of the season.

 

Tonali’s agent, Beppe Riso, made it crystal clear earlier this month that his client remains happy on Tyneside. The Toon ace has now clarified his position – insisting he is set on achieving success at Newcastle ahead of next month’s Carabao Cup final.

 

“I have never spoken about it (a return) with my agents,” Tonali told La Repubblica. “And I know, from experience, that if you don’t get to that point there is nothing concrete.

 

 

 

“And in any case, I am happy with myself here, I have found my line and there is no need to upset it again. I want to win for the Newcastle fans, soon we will have the first opportunity at Wembley.

 

“(The move has worked out) not just economically. I grew up and discovered a new country, a new football and a new language. I have no regrets. The idea of returning to Milan one day is there but it’s not the thought when I wake up in the morning.”

 

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AC Milan hold an interest in signing Ibrahim Maza from Hertha BSC and were willing to offer a sizeable sum in January, according to a report.

 

As per a report from Kicker, Milan and Porto both came forward to sign the 19-year-old talent Maza in the winter mercato. The forward had two ‘concrete and highly attractive offers’ and turned down both clubs.

 

Milan ended up turning to Riccardo Sottil and Joao Felix to strengthen the attacking midfielder and left wing roles, but they went in with a bid for Maza which Hertha were willing to accept. However, the teenager made it clear that he wished to stay.

 

After Maza’s rejection of Milan, Hertha’s directors did not receive any offer on the table that would have been worth considering. The actual amount of the planned offer from the Rossoneri was a package with a base transfer fee of around €15m plus bonuses was apparently prepared.

 

In this case, the capital club – which must again achieve a transfer surplus in the double-digit millions in the summer of 2025 – would probably neither have been able to say no nor would have said no. However, the player’s will ended up being decisive and thus he remained.

 

Edon Zhegrova has announced that he will not renew his deal with Lille and that he intends to take the next step in his career, with AC Milan apparently interested.

 

Calciomercato.com recall the statement that Zhegrova made to Radio Dukagjini in his native Kosovo: “It’s true, I have communicated to the club that I will not renew my contract. We will see what happens this summer, but the club has been informed of my will. There are several clubs interested, I will decide my future after the end of the Ligue 1 season.”

 

Zhegrova has put himself in the shop window ahead of the summer, as have his performances with eight goals and two assists in 21 games across all competitions. The last 16 Champions League tie against Borussia Dortmund (with Barcelona awaiting the winner) will be a showcase too.

 

The 25-year-old moved to Lille in the summer of 2021 from Basel for €7m, but with his rise an attacking production (including 12 goals last season under Paulo Fonseca), his market value has risen too.

 

Added to this is the fact that Lille will lose Jonathan David on a free transfer at the end of this season, meaning they need to maximise revenue from other operations. Where might Zhegrova go? Juventus and Milan are keen, as well as Roma and Napoli.

 

ibrahimovic cardinale conceicao leao

The Bianconeri are admirers but they already have Weah, Nico Gonzalez, Yildiz, Mbangula and Francisco Conceiçao, with a €25m obligation to buy needing to be spent for Gonzalez, so that will be a factor.

 

The Rossoneri will have to make several decisions in the coming months, starting with the coach and the sporting director. Samu Chukwueze is likely to leave while there are question marks about Rafa Leao, Riccardo Sottil and Joao Felix, so the name of Zhegrova could therefore return to the fore.

 

Milan also seem to have a special kind of relationship with Lille as a club too, having completed operations in the past like the Leao, Tiago Djalo and Mike Maignan operations.

 

The ‘Fantastic Four’ may well be consigned to being a brief experiment, as a report claims that Sergio Conceicao is planning further tactical changes.

 

As this morning’s edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) writes, elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Feyenoord and the defeat against Torino have seriously complicated Milan’s season.

 

What’s more, in these three matches the ‘Fab Four’ managed to score one goal in 168 minutes together, which was Gimenez’s after less than 40 seconds of the return leg against Feyenoord at San Siro. It is not enough, despite the fact that the chances created have increased.

 

Conceiçao still believes in the comeback to get fourth place, but barely any more mistakes are permitted. Thursday’s game in Bologna is big and balance will be needed, so much so that there is the thought of changing the attack, and the number one suspect to miss out is Leao.

 

 

In Turin the Portuguese winger remained in the dressing room at half-time, after a listless 45 minutes, not returning to the bench even to see his team-mates in the second half.

 

What requests from Conceiçao were not met by Rafa? The usual ones: Leao didn’t press or track back when he lost the ball, and helped the team too little in the defensive phase. These are more or less the same accusations that are always levelled against the No.10.

 

In a more prudent side Leao’s work rate (or lack of) can be covered by his teammates or isn’t exposed as much. However, in the four-man attack he cannot drift out of the game especially while making minimal impact going forward. Thus, he risks losing his spot for Thursday.

 

It wouldn’t be for the first time in 2024-25, either. Under Paulo Fonseca and Conceiçao, Leao has started on the bench on nine occasions, then coming on as a substitute in eight and becoming a super sub of sorts.

 

The only match in which he was left to watch for 90 minutes was the 1-0 win against Udinese at San Siro, with Milan down to ten men from the first half due to the red card given to Reijnders, so it was more situational.

 

la gazzetta dello sport february 25

In at least five of those games, he made his mark with a goal or an assist. From the first against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico (the equaliser to make it 2-2, followed by the cooling break) to the most recent against Verona at San Siro (assist for Gimenez’s winner).

 

In between came the goals against Empoli and Slovan Bratislava, plus the decisive assist to Tammy Abraham in the Supercoppa Italiana final in Riyadh against Inter. Leao is a problem for the opposing defences during the match, because his speed targets the space that opens up and the tired legs.

 

It is clear that there is also the other side of the coin: it is not easy to get a star like Leao – who is also the highest paid player in the squad – to accept the bench, especially in a problematic moment like Milan’s current one.

 

The decision to remove Rafael Leao at half-time in the defeat to Torino continues to provoke debate, and it could have ramifications on the future.

 

As Calciomercato.com reports, the over-arching headline is that Milan dropped three more crucial points due to a mistake from Mike Maignan and some defensive inattention in the crucial moments, leaving them eight points from fourth place.

 

However, the Leao case is also a talking point. At half-time, with his side one goal down and having failed to convert a penalty, Conceicao decided to take the Portuguese winger off and to bring Youssouf Fofana on in what was quite a surprise substitution.

 

Leao’s numbers suggest he wasn’t very involved: only 11 completed passes, 11 balls lost and the misery of five duels won with just one completed dribble. This is not the best for someone who has the responsibility of carrying the attack, yet his header drew the penalty Christian Pulisic missed.

 

Leao did not return to the bench for the second half as he usually does and this is something that perhaps makes it a bigger issue, even if the head coach tried to play things down after the game in his post-match interview.

 

“Technical choice or for a physical problem? A bit of both. I saw that Rafa was not at his best, there are other players too. Everyone is important for Milan, in my opinion we should not go into substitutions and the formation when you concede such ridiculous goals.”

 

 

Leao remains the true game-breaking player in Milan’s attack with his pace and his knack for creating something out of nothing, while Joao Felix seemed more off the pace and in need of a breather, then Pulisic is known to be playing through an ankle issue.

 

What we can take from it all is that Conceicao’s firm stance with Leao is uncompromising. He benched him for the games against Empoli and Hellas Verona in the league plus in the Coppa Italia against Roma, then he got 45 minutes on Saturday.

 

The relationship between Conceicao and Leao must be monitored. Things certainly started well, and with a Champions League spot to pursue the hope is that things will blossom again in spring. Otherwise, the calls from Barcelona and/or Saudi Arabia might be a bit more tempting.

 

 

One of the hallmarks of Paulo Fonseca and now Sergio Conceiçao’s Milan sides is that they were betrayed by at least one of their stars. Whether it was Maignan letting an easy goal in, Theo’s madness or Leao’s constant apathy.

 

The last time the three lived up to their talent together? We need to go back to January 6th. Hernandez started the comeback against Inter with a great free kick, Maignan blocked Dumfries shot at 2-2, then Rafa set up Tammy Abraham for the winner. Result? A trophy.

 

 

There are two roads. The first: find a way to get Maignan, Theo and Leao consistently back to the level of the title-winning season. It is easier said than done, at least seeing the failed attempts of Fonseca and Conceiçao so far.

 

The two Portuguese coaches reserved Pioli’s direction by being quite tough with the two outfield players in particular, yet it does not seem to have boosted consistency. It must also be noted that even towards then end of Pioli’s tenure Theo and Leao were faltering a bit too.

 

la gazzetta dello sport february 24

The second path is to sell the stars. It will be a painful decision given what they have brought and the level everyone knows they are capable of, but there are economic factors too. Maignan and Hernandez, for example, have contracts expiring in 2026.

 

For the goalkeeper, an extension agreement was found some time ago (€5m net per year until 2029, with the option for a further season together), but it is still not a guarantee that he will remain at Milan 100%.

 

For Theo, the negotiation for the renewal has instead stalled due to the horror performances of the Frenchman and it is unlikely that he will restart. Leao has a long contract (expires in 2028) and a €175m clause that is unlikely to be paid by anyone, but the club could accept less.