Milan routed Udinese 4-0 to get their biggest away of the season. The biggest credit was and given to the 3-4-3 tried for the first time from the start. Insiders even relayed some Conceicao regret for not trying the three at the back often and earlier. The team looked more balanced and fluid but this was against a midtable team. The Fofana and Reijnders midfield duo surrounded by Theo and Jimenez can be exploited by stronger teams. But of course the 3-4-3 can and should be continued as it looked good on the pitch. Three at the back is not exactly associated with any modern Milan squad and the inevitable comparison to Antonio Conte’s preferred set up are premature. In the meanwhile there has been more talk of Milan’s summer and future moves than what may transpire in the final matches of this season.

At Udinese Maignan was involved in a hard collision with Jimenez while trying to retrieve a ball. The keeper was subbed off – and Jimenez was subbed off minutes later – but word is that both are available for this week 33 match. The same back three that started at Udinese should be on the starting 11 so Tomori, Gabbia and Pavlovic will start behind the aforementioned quartet of Jimenez, Reijnders, Fofana and Theo. Conceicao opted to start Jovic instead of Abraham and (the declared not fully fit) Gimenez. The Serbian will likely start again. Pulisic and Leao will be on the wings.

Atalanta come to the San Siro a full 10 points ahead of Milan. The visitor’s recent form has been mixed however. Before beating Bologna 2-0 last week La Dea had lost three in row to Inter, Fiorentina and Lazio in a very tough stretch of matches.

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Slow starts, unpredictable lineup changes, relying on a loanee and a ‘forgotten man’ for goals. Milan’s season remains in turmoil and crisis. In week 31’s 2-2 tie versus Fiorentina the visitors took a quick 2-0 lead with a Milan looking lost. Musah was substituted early and the first half looked careless and shambolic. The aforementioned two ‘rescued’ a point but the team is adrift.

The news surrounding Milan remains concentrated on the next sporting director and indeed the next coach. The summer might herald more unexciting names like Igli Tare in a sporting director role and the same kind of wasted transfer money that has Milan losing out on big European euros. The players do not show enough passion to ensure the season finishes strong either.

Outside of the rumour mill the talk is if Conceicao can provide a spark and perhaps field two out and out strikers from the start. The somewhat vague talk is that Gimenez is not ready so Abraham and Jovic, who scored the goals versus Fiorentina, are in consideration to start together from the start. That is where the balance word comes along since this would produce a very attacking 11 when it includes Leao and Theo. It remains likelier that a 4-2-3-1 remains at least to start matches. With Walker out with a fractured elbow the right back spot falls either to Jimenez or Terracciano. The center back pairings is one of the mysteries of this season and it is not easy to predict who will start. Theo will be the left back. It is not out of the question that the Frenchman is playing his final Milan games. Fofana shows flashes but doesn’t look the most reliable player. Bondo has time to grow into the team. based on current form at least Musah should not be starting in place of either. The three behind the main striker should remain Pulicis, Reijnders and Leao. Joao Felix has disappointed and is almost certain to return to Chelsea in the summer. Abraham probably has the center forward spot locked up for the last few games that remain in this 2024-2025 Serie A season.

Udinese’s most recent form is three losses in a row but I Friulani enjoyed a six game unbeaten run prior to it.

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The week 2-1 defeat at Napoli has effectively ended the faint chances of a top four finish. Being ninth with eight weeks to go means the already miniscule chances of European football are gone. Milan finances woe. The week 30 game itself was far from the worst Milan have played but a late flurry was needed to add positivity to the game. The game was followed by the Coppa Italia semifinal first leg versus Inter. The Coppa match ended 1-1 with more positive signs but Coppa Italia and indeed the derby games have not been the best measure of this (Serie A) season.

Fiorentina visit the San Siro with the Milan starting 11 remaining unpredictable. Players like Gimenez seems to have already lost their starting spots. Abraham looks to get more starts, for now at least. Leao didn’t get a start last week either, further confusing many. His second half introduction was not without impact. More spots remain in flux and oddly the center of defense is one of those. Any of Thiaw, Gabbia, Pavlovic and Tomori could start and only the closest observers can be confident in their prediction. Similarly a player like Jimenez who shows grit and promise is the first to be substituted out. Although very much outside of character Conceicao could be just riding out the season and depending on what happens above him remain or leave. As it stands the summer could be headed for a groundhog day type ‘year zero’, again.

Vincenzo Italiano’s Fiorentina have somewhat impressed and it is inevitable that the coach’s name has become the subject of (less than reliable) rumours for next season. The rumour mill has spent a good amount of time in recent weeks speculating that Conceicao won’t last beyond the end of the season and the subject has also shifted to a Sporting Director position becoming available with names like Fabio Paratici high on the list. If rumours are to be believed an ‘Italianization’ of Milan might be on the cards. Time will tell if this changes much as the team needs more than just a few new faces, whatever their nationality may be. Structural changes in scouting, decision making and transfer business remain long over due.

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The international break might have brought time and rest (for those not called up to nation team duty) but the behind the scenes activity seems to have been in full force. Talk of future changes had already started earlier as Milan continued to falter in the Serie A. Conceicao could almost be described as a lame duck with his job on offer to Conte, De Zerbi and perhaps others. Player movement and a move to a more Italian Milan has been in circulation as well. All as rumours of course.

Is a top four and Champions League place and money completely out of the picture. Irish Free Bets is one place to wager on the chances. It is hoped not but Milan sit six points behind that objective and more importantly five places behind. The financial riches of qualification for Europe will have a lot to say for Milan’s summer transfers of course but keep being overstated magnifying the crisis atmosphere. The trip to Napoli will provide another glimpse as to where the team stands late in this 2024-2025 Serie A season.

The unpredictable lineups of this season are looking to continue and it is impossible to know which two central defenders will start for example. Latest word is Thiaw and Gabbia will start with Walker and Theo. The same could be said about the midfield pivots. Fofana hasn’t always convinced but he and Bondo provide the best options. Joao Felix’s underwhelming Milan career and Reijnder’s opposite trajectory are allowing the latter to hold on the more advanced midfield spot along side Pulisic and Leao. Gimenez has cooled off from his very good start and risks not being a starter for this match. Abraham will be the beneficiary. His and many others’ status will be decided in the summer as Milan look for yet more changes.

Napoli have ceded first place to Inter in recent weeks. Conte’s men have four draws in their last seven matches.

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As AC Milan goes through a tremendous shift, reports indicate that nine players could potentially leave the club during summer transfer. AC Milan is one of the oldest and most prestigious clubs in Europe, and although they are used to dramatic changes, such an overhaul indicates a major strategic shift that could change Milan’s future.

AC Milan fans should prepare for an unprecedented Rossoneri squad in the coming months, even though whether this is a strategy Milan needs or a reckless risk is still debatable.

A New Vision Amidst Uncertainty

Milan’s management seems to take drastic measures towards restructuring the organization as they pause on the release of key personnel. While some personnel moves are expected due to contract negotiations and overall performance, others seem to be controversial and beg the question of what exactly is this club’s grand scheme.

Achieving a balance between financial security and competitive goals is challenging, particularly in a league where any mistake can result in losing ground to other competitors. Surprisingly, the transformation of management in sport has shifted in comparison to other segments, such as entertainment and even gambling.

Like sports teams who refresh their rosters, firms in the online casino industry have to refresh their platforms to keep up with the changing preferences of the clients. This correlation indicates that whether in sports, digital entertainment or any other like field, the issue of remaining relevant is a significant concern that needs to be addressed.

Who’s Likely to Leave?

Among the candidates for the unknown but highly probable rumors of elimination are the older players, whose contracts come to an end soonest. As much as they gave in terms of service and served the club as great gallant figures, the focus for Milan seems like they are in need of a more youthful and agile squad.

Those who have previously not met targets might also be considered surplus to requirements, and their exits viewed as essential sacrifices in furthering progress. However, parting ways with renowned figures is always a risk.

Will the new additions yield swift results, or will the club need to endure tough times while new players learn the ropes? This is a question that goes beyond supporters; it also exists in the halls of power in Milan. Like every other field that is outcome-driven, football requires tough decisions, those that may advance or throw the team into a state of regret.

A Tactical and Financial Dilemma

The financial aspect of this squad overhaul cannot be overlooked. With UEFA financial regulations getting tighter, Milan, just like several other clubs, must be careful to invest in good-quality players while still trying to follow the rules.

In addition to the Departures, there are many new signings that are able to propose salary caps, but these changes carry with them the risk of breaking good chemistry within the team. Finally, Milan, under Sergio, has been playing tough ball and Milan has some specific attributes that are needed to make this possible.

Having too many people leave can be quite dangerous due to the time it takes to build a new core and therefore, it could mean no core and very inconsistent performance. This is a risk and one that puts the club directors in a tough position if Milan is to continue performing well as a club.

Potential Signings and the Future of Milan

Although some of the comings and goings at Milan might seem complicated to you, there is more space for new talent. The scouting department of the club will have to find suitable players who can be easily blended within the existing team.  

There are rumors that the club is monitoring some young stars from Europe’s leading leagues with specific emphasis on the midfield and forward positions. This restructuring could also involve some degree of delegation from the club’s lower divisions.

It has always been Milan’s objective to consider their academy’s exports, which even means coming up with sustainable solutions and strategies for the shortage of quality within the club’s infrastructure.

The Emotional Weight of Change

For the average layman, whether it is a yes or no to renew a contract, a player leaving is much more painful to digest. Change is emotionally charged and with strong sentiments. Players who for so long have put in the work or those known as gentle heroes sometimes do one thing that no one expects: leave.

And unlike a contract or other statistics, loyalty to the game runs deeper and is much more complex. No matter how painful losing strikers during the proposed departure of Milan may seem, it has the possibility of giving room to new and winning characters plus scorers.

Conclusion

The team’s future offers promise, but AC Milan’s fate now rests in their own hands, and change is never easy, so success is not guaranteed.

Nevertheless, post a long absence, the fans will notice differences in the team, so whether they accept them or not, Milan is moving forward. Milan understands the changes and the risks undertaken, but it seems that the most proficient and drastic action has been achieved.

The news cycle has been concentrating on who could be a possible replacement for Conceicao with calls for an ‘Italian revolution’ featuring Allegri perhaps. This of course says a lot about how the team has performed under its second coach of the season. The hope, at least, is that now Conceicao has more time to train with the team and a cohesive and more solid team will finish the season on a high. Top four is eight points and five teams away, a Champions League place looks impossible with expected financial implications but the team has enough talent to grow further and do better.

Week 28’s win at Lecce featured two tight offside goals and a come back. Pulisic had a great hand in the win and is surely the player of the season. With Lecce struggling to score goals for most of the season their two goals allowed highlighted the problems at the back more than most other games. Midweek brought on the idea that a three at the back formation would be tried to find some solidity plus balance but it seems unlikely that any Milan coach would abandon a back four for long, if at all.

Maignan returns from a one game suspension and as mentioned it remains likely that Walker, Thiaw, Gabbia and Theo will be the back four. Tomori is available and Pavlovic is available after his one game red card suspension. Bondo had a positive debut and looks to start with Musah in the middle. The latter American has been another struggling player and his position could be at risk. The initial pseudo-euphoria at the Joao Felix loan deal has mostly soured as the Portuguese has been underwhelming at times. Reijnders, with a recent contract extension, is likely to retain the spot behind Gimenez. Leao, not a regular starter under a second consecutive Portuguese coach, should be back to the first 11. Pulisic should surely start every remaining game this season.

Como are the current it team in the Serie A attracting the rich and the famous to their games. As with Venezia in previous seasons the team looks to capitalize on their location at least. Cesc Fabregas’ reputation as coach is growing and the team may be able to avoid Venezia’s fate and find a more consistent stay in the Serie A.

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A losing streak and ninth place is a team in deep crisis. The atmosphere around the team should be and apparently is at a low point. To hear headlines and rumours that (Italian) coaches are waiting in the wings to take over points to a mess and a lost season. Conceicao has had a bit more training time with the less busy fixture list and claims that he is a ‘increasingly lonely’ with little support from the top will be tested.

There had some reports that a few players will be rested and while it is hard to justify the need for rest it is perhaps a need for the coach to use his authority while it remains. it is now confirmed that Leao will start on the bench for this game away to Lecce. Whether moves like this are necessary or change this and future game outlook remains to be seen. Both Fonseca before him and now Conceicao himself certainly used many changed elevens.

Maignan got himself a one match ban apparently for saying something to the referee last week versus Lazio. Pavlovic is suspended due to red he received versus the same team. Refereeing continues to make its mark to taint the game further and further. VAR meant to improve the game and eliminate mistakes has not contributed much to its cause. One can certainly not deny that controversial decisions remain even with the extra eyes that are supposed to lessen them. Betting with Free Bets UK as to how this or any other game goes will be at the mercy of more than the players themselves.

Sportiello makes his first start in a long while with Thiaw and Gabbia in the middle. Walker and Theo will need to use their experience and speed if the rest of the season is to go as well as it can. Musah and Bondo are starting as pivots as the latter begins his Milan career. Jimenez, Reijnder and Pulisic are behind Gimenez as some early suggestions were that the Mexican would start on the bench with Abraham getting the start.

Marco Giampaolo hosts his former team with Lecce hoping to improve upon his team’s three point distance from the relegation spots.

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Successive 2-1 losses against Torino and Bologna have added pressure on the team. Conceicao’s arrival at the beginning of the calendar, to replace Fonseca, brought with it cautious optimism that the players would work harder and respond on the pitch. The will had seemed to be lacking and lineup changes had sometimes been puzzling but Conceicao has not changed the picture as much as it had been hoped considering the differing and more strict style of the new coach. Not the coach’s name is already being mentioned in exit rumours with the usual and not so usual replacement options being mentioned.

With no Champions League left to play in and the Coppa Italia semifinal versus Inter only in early April the fixture list for March is light. This plus the international break might give time for Conceicao to impose his methods more as one of the issues have been that the new coach has had far too few training days available to him in January and February.

Milan sit in eighth spot and Lazio fifth to start this week 27 matchday. Any remaining chance of a top four spot will fade even more if three points are not gained. Walker returning from injury should be a boost and he will line up with Thiaw, Tomori and Theo. The latter’s disappointing season has led to many summer sale rumours and it remains to be seen if summer 2025 doesn’t require yet another ‘revolution’ or rest. One can also question the reason why Pavlovic is in and out of the line up but at least the coach has options, with Gabbia another as well. Fofana and Reijnders are likely pivots despite the later doing better further up the pitch when given the chance. Pulisic however remains one of the stars of the season and plying him closer to goal is a good choice. Musah has been deployed on the right of midfield and as right winger, not always to good effect. The right side of the team remains a questionable or even weak spot. Leao on left wing needs to show much more than he has but he remains one of the stars of the team and Serie A. Gimenez early days or Milan have promised a lot and his presence and instinct for the goal is a danger to any opposition. Felix looks to be on the bench for this match as the Portuguese has been inconsistent and the early excitement of his loan has somewhat faded.

Alessio Romagnoli and his teammates have had a solid season so far in Marco Baroni’s first season in charge. Lazio’s record at the San Siro has been very poor with only a single win in last 34 visits.

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Milan exited the Champions League in another poor performance where Theo saw red in an unnecessary position when Milan needed to overcome a 1-0 deficit against Feyenoord. Milan’s risk of missing one of the now most likely only four Serie A Champions League spots for next season is even higher and the loss of revenue will add more pressure to the team. Conceicao accepted the blame for the loss but the damage has been done.

Torino will represent one chance for Theo and co to salvage the disappointing season. Theo naturally became the subject of more summer exit rumour following the report that Como were willing to get him in the winter transfer market. The team will likely see changes yet again in the summer in another crisis type season, one of too many in recent years.

Walker has picked up a muscle issue and will miss this trip to Turin. Jimenez could take his spot along side Thiaw, Pavlovic and of course Theo. This means two of Musah and Reijnders in the midfield with Fofana on the bench. The so called fantastic four will start up front. Pulisic, Felix, Leao and Gimenez need to live up to that billing for Milan to have a positive rest of season, now fully concentrated on the league (and Coppa Italia).

Torino are in the 12th place and feature Samuele Ricci in midfield, one of the few young bright Italian players and of course a transfer target for many including Milan.

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Milan showcased their inability to work hard and consistently. A 1-0 loss versus Feyenoord in Rotterdam was correctly characterized as embarrassing and perhaps worse. Many of the 11 on the pitch could easily be identified as not working hard enough to reverse an early setback via a Maignan mistake. Conceicao may already be looking at incapable to advance Milan up the Serie A table and in the Champions League. A narrow away loss could be reversed next week but continuity and much more is needed just to finish the season on a promising note.

The squad as it is built post winter transfer window especially is providing the coach with various options up front. The so called fantastic four that is now available to Milan may or may not last as a starting unit but Pulisic, Feliz, Leao and Gimenez are certainly an attacking threat but this may not be enough for a balanced 11. Not to mention that the fixture list makes it near impossible to play the best possible players every game. As such the likes of Sottil, Jimenez and Chukwueze may get starts.

Pavlovic has shown more passion than most and should be given the chance to remain a regular starter at the back but the likes of Theo need to do much more. Planety of winnable games in the coming weeks will provide ample evidence as to who is most committed to the shirt. After Verona Milan has Serie a games versus Torino and Bologna. The latter being the week 9 postponed game.

Verona sit in 15th place in the Serie A table and have conceded 53 goals so far. The most in the league.

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