Author: Reza

Theo Hernandez Leaves Milan

Theo Hernandez Leaves Milan to Join Al Hilal

After rumours and expectations Theo Hernandez leaves Milan for the Saudi Arabian riches of Al Hilal. The French left back was a major part of the disappointing 2024-2025 season and many expected his exit. The drop off in his play was apparent on several occasions during the past season. The wait was reportedly due to his preference to stay in Europe. Some players would finally succumb to the riches on offer in the Saudi league and accept a move. This materialized for Theo.

Milan, known for not being the best sellers, managed to receive €25 million for Theo. A player one year away from being a Bosman free agent often, not always, sees his transfer value drop quickly and one can consider the €25 million a decent amount for a player that seemed inclined to leave anyway.

As reported his salary at Al Hilal is 22 million per year until 2028, with an option for a one year extension.

Samuele Ricci Joins Milan

Samuele Ricci joins Milan

The rumoured and expected transfer of the 23 year old midfielder has now become official after the player passed his medical today. Samuele Ricci joins from Torino for a reported fee of €23 million plus €2 million in addons. He has signed on until June 30 2029 with an option for an extra year. Reports suggest his salary is €2.2 million.

The Pontedera, Tuscany born player has chosen the number 4 jersey.

Player Summary
Name:
Samuele Ricci
Date of Birth:
Aug 21, 2001
Age:
23
Height:
1.81 m
Citizenship:
Italy
Position:
Midfielder
Foot:
Right
Agency:
None
Ownership:
AC Milan
Contract Expires:
Jun 30, 2029
Current Club:
AC Milan
Joined:
Jul 3, 2025

Book Review: Veni, Vidi, Vici By Dominic Hougham

The Latin phrase for I came; I saw; I conquered by Dominic Hougham is a somewhat apt title for the story of Italian football and its European adventures.

A brief history of the European Cup starts the book marking the dominating teams and countries. Milan included of course. The book quickly moves through the decades reaching Serie A’s 1980s European revival with the likes of Juventus with Michel Platini, Zbigniew Boniek and Liam Brady under Trapattoni. All leading up to the Heysel disaster.

The Heysel disaster is of course well documented and the tragedy provided something of an opening for other countries to make their European mark as English teams were banned and excluded from UEFA competitions.

As its profile grew the author provides longer chapters on the events more specific to Serie A and Italy. Maradona’s Napoli is such an example. His ill-fated Barca transfer and Argentina adventures are recounted in greater detail. The team’s success and its meaning to Naples as a sort of neglected city is told well. Italia 90 is treated the same, with a more in depth look at the tournament that failed in terms of goals and entertainment, and for the Azzurri as well. All throughout Maradona remained one of the main stories as Serie A was the place to be.

The book’s focus shifts to Milan with Sacchi and Berlusconi. The latter’s rise and the very Italian way of he taking ownership of a troubled Milan. The team had not escaped the Totonero scandal – the same scandal that most famously banished Paolo Rossi. Milan had suffered relegations and were to be bankrupt. A quick rise was on the cards with Berlusconi not shy to spend. Almost immediately Parma’s Sacchi had caught Berlusconi’s attention and the rest is history. A history headlined by a three Dutchmen and a back four of legends. This is told in some detail highlighting firsts, misses, controversies and key moments across competitions and continents.

Sampdoria’s not too dissimilar story is also told, as a team sharing Serie A’s golden era. The names – Roberto Mancini et al – and games that were part of this story are recalled well culminating in Serie A and European triumphs. This is followed by a chapter on one of the most important Italian players of that era, Roberto Baggio. Once again important moments are recalled and draw the reader into the story of the player and his teams, Fiorentina and others. A chapter is devoted to Trapattoni’s time at Inter and a second stint at Juventus. Another on Torino with the Superga disaster as a kind of starting point. This is followed up by a brief history of Roma.

A fascinating, perhaps eye opening, chapter on transfer fees and the number of times Italian clubs were able to break it gives even more context. From Omar Sivori (River Plate to Juventus) all the way to Papin (Marseille to Milan), Vialli to Juventus and Lentini to Milan. The latter three seeing Serie A clubs spending and breaking the aforementioned record in summer of 1992. Further chapters chart Gascoigne and his career that had a stop at Lazio. Next up is the Gli Invincibili tale, highlighting some of the events and matches in the 58 game undefeated run.

Gli Invincibili is a story of Berlusconi deciding to sack Sacchi and bringing up Capello. Capello, unlike his predecessor a former player, was of course very much part of the Milan set up before succeeding Sacchi. His tinkering with the likes of Massaro and familiarity with Milan set him up to continue the success with the help of a sometimes healthy van Basten. The first season saw the progress and had the team manage an undefeated season. The form continued into the 1992-93 season with European matches adding more pressure and the eventual loss of van Basten, again. The unbeaten run ended. The following season featured, arguably, Capello and Milan’s finest. The 4-0 Champions League final win vs Barca, all while the three Dutchman era was ending. The high was difficult to keep replicating and the following two seasons were less successful.

Further chapters on Juventus, Parma, Sampdoria and Lazio add emphasis to Serie A’s importance and rise as do the story of the Brazilian Ronaldo at Inter. The 1994 World Cup heartache relives a difficult time for Azzurri fans. The inevitable fall is given some pages with familiar tales of debt and corruption that are worth reading and revisiting. Each chapter starts with a famous quote introducing the text that follows and the author provides enough context to keep the reader interested. The book is published by and available at Pitch Publishing.

Milan Rumours: Late June 2025 Edition

Milan summer 2025 rumours

Milan’s transfer window is awash with rumours but little action. All of this is normal. Missing out on Europe has and will cost Milan but it is hoped or at least presumed Tare and Allegri will be able to spend and spend well. The latter has been more the problem than the former for much of the recent decade and more.

Here are five most oft mentioned names so far this summer:

Player Summary
Name:
Luka Modrić
Date of Birth:
Sep 9, 1985
Age:
39
Height:
1.72 m
Citizenship:
Croatia
Position:
Midfielder
Foot:
Right
Agency:
None
Ownership:
None
Contract Expires:
N/A
Current Club:
Real Madrid
Joined:
Aug 27, 2012

Luka Modric will almost certainly arrive after Real Madrid finish their Club World Cup matches. The veteran and Milan fan Croatian will sign on a free transfer, likely for two years. The player’s will has been the key in this case.

Player Summary
Name:
Samuele Ricci
Date of Birth:
Aug 21, 2001
Age:
23
Height:
1.81 m
Citizenship:
Italy
Position:
Midfielder
Foot:
Right
Agency:
None
Ownership:
AC Milan
Contract Expires:
Jun 30, 2029
Current Club:
AC Milan
Joined:
Jul 3, 2025

Samuele Ricci has been wanted for a while now and fits the ‘Italianization’ that is supposedly still on the cards. A young midfielder with some potential and up side. Torino often play hard ball but Ricci is set to arrive for around €25 million.

Player Summary
Name:
Granit Xhaka
Date of Birth:
Sep 27, 1992
Age:
32
Height:
1.86 m
Citizenship:
Switzerland
Position:
Midfielder
Foot:
Left
Agency:
None
Ownership:
Bayer Leverkusen
Contract Expires:
Jun 30, 2028
Current Club:
Bayer Leverkusen
Joined:
Jul 6, 2023

Granit Xhaka is wanted for much the same reasons as Modric. A veteran presence and leader type. Bayer Leverkusen have denied any contact with Milan and but there is some truth in that there are discussions. Whether Milan do spend €15 million or more that the German club would want is another question altogether. If the 32 years old player is worth that much is up for debate.

Player Summary
Name:
Giovanni Leoni
Date of Birth:
Dec 21, 2006
Age:
18
Height:
1.96 m
Citizenship:
Italy
Position:
Central Defender
Foot:
Right
Agency:
None
Ownership:
Parma
Contract Expires:
Jun 30, 2029
Current Club:
Parma
Joined:
Aug 27, 2024

Giovanni Leoni is considered a very good prospect and will be hard to get. Parma may not be able to resist high offers but will Milan offer them one? Or is he needed if Milan Gabbia, Thiaw, Tomori and Pavlovic were all to stay? He could easily be sold to another team – with many aware of his potential – and one can easily imagine him leaving the Serie A.

Player Summary
Name:
Ardon Jashari
Date of Birth:
Jul 30, 2002
Age:
22
Height:
1.81 m
Citizenship:
Switzerland
Position:
Midfielder
Foot:
Left
Agency:
None
Ownership:
Club Brugge
Contract Expires:
Jun 30, 2029
Current Club:
Club Brugge
Joined:
Jul 1, 2024

Speaking of hard ball one can not forget Club Brugge. Ardon Jashari wants Milan and the feeling is mutual but Brugge are apparently making Tare fly to Belgium. This is the same club that made Maldini fly for Charles De Ketelaere. Jashari is a defensive midfield player so at least he won’t be considered a flop for not scoring in limited minutes. If he arrives at all.

Tijjani Reijnders Leaves Milan

Reijnders joined Milan in the summer of 2023 for around €20 million. This past season saw the player become one of the best goal scoring midfielders in Europe with a salary of €4 million gross. He scored 10 league goals in the 2024-2025 Serie A season and added 5 more in the Coppa Italia and European play.

His transfer fee is reportedly around the €55 million range rising to around €70 million with some of the addons easy to reach. His Manchester City contract is set expire in 2030, the same date that his Milan extension was signed for earlier this year.

Player Summary
Name:
Tijjani Reijnders
Date of Birth:
Jul 29, 1998
Age:
26
Height:
1.85 m
Citizenship:
Netherlands
Position:
Midfielder
Foot:
Right
Agency:
None
Ownership:
Manchester City
Contract Expires:
Jun 30, 2030
Current Club:
Manchester City
Joined:
Jun 11, 2025

AC Milan 2025-2026 Serie A Fixtures

AC Milan’s 2025-2026 Serie A Fixtures

The schedule for the 2025-2026 Serie A season has been released, earlier than most seasons. The season starts the weekend of August 23 and ends the weekend of May 23 2026. The 2026 USA/Mexico/Canada World Cup starts just 18 days after the season concludes. As with last season Lega Serie A has done away with the short Christmas break. With no European involvement – but forced to contend with earlier Coppa Italia rounds – Milan has a less crowded schedule than last season.

The season starts versus Cremonese and the Milan derby at weeks 12 and 28. A meeting with Bari in the first round of the Coppa Italia is scheduled for August. The preseason gathering and start of the Allegri 2.0 era is set for July 4th.

On Monza, Tare, Allegri And More

Igli Tare is Milan’s new Sporting Director

Quickly after the season ended with a 2-0 win versus Monza the team moved to confirm Igli Tare as sporting director and then circumstances quickly developed that made bringing back Allegri a reality. Antonio Conte reversing course at Napoli after seemingly snubbing the idea just as the Gli Azzurri were celebrating winning the 2024-2025 scudetto was one catalyst as was Vincenzo Italiano staying at Bologna. Allegri probably lost his number one choice and accepted a 2+1 year deal at Milan. This comes with the presumption that he has asked for and gotten greater influence in the transfer market. More on the summer possibilities below but first a bit about the week 38 match versus Monza.

Monza’s visit to the San Siro had both teams little to play for. After it was confirmed that a top eight finish wouldn’t mean skipping earlier Coppa Italia rounds the game was rendered as meaningless as a season finale can get. Bologna finishing 9th in the Serie A standings but winning the Coppa meant that they would get something akin to priority seeding for the 2025-2026 Coppa Italia so they would be the team to get a bye until the 1/16 round in December. With such a circumstance having a starting 11 with only one youth product in Bartesaghi was at least surprising. Leao and Theo on the bench was and is perhaps a foreboding for the summer transfer market. A first half with Musah on the right essentially meant playing without a right winger and the balls passed to the right were indeed wasted. Second half changes looked likely and inevitable as Camarda replaced Jovic and Chukwueze came in to provide some right wing presence in place of the aforementioned American midfielder. Camarda’s presence was quickly making a difference and was apparent in the Monza box. With the improved play Gabbia scored a classic header from a corner and later Joao Felix fouled near the top right of the Monza box immediately asked for the ball and his free kick beat Semuel Pizzignacco proving his instincts right. The Portuguese loanee was subsequently subbed off and it looked like his time at Milan is, as expected, at an end. Florenzi was given the last five minutes and is to be another player to say goodbye this summer. The game had a positive second half but Milan with a suspended and departing coach was carrying a lot of questions and was subject to an early (15th minute) walkout by the Curva Sud ultras. The lowest finish in a decade had set the stage for protests starting in front of Casa Milan with doom and gloom across social media and fandom.

Circumstances meant Allegri was available to return to Milan

The work began as soon as the dreadful 63 points season ended. The rumoured Tare contract talks culminated in the former Lazio chief and apparent Milan fan signing on and getting to work on a coaching choice. Allegri’s availability made his job clearer at least. The former coach accepted while Conceicao’s name was still showing on Milan’s official site.

As is normal for most teams – and it feels in particular Milan – rumours are never ending. One such note that started circulating well before season’s end was the possibility of one big name being sold to regulate team finances especially in light of missing all European action next season. A Tonali-esque sale would seem to apply to Reijnders as he became the subject of Manchester City rumours. The soon to be Kevin De Bruyne-less team are serious about the Dutch Serie A midfielder of the year. His 15 goals for Milan had caught the attention of many and with a good profit on his €20 million 2024 to be had a transfer seems likely if not inevitable. Whether or not Milan can maximize this profit remains to be seen but history doesn’t fill many fans with confidence. Most do and should prefer he stay but the player who only months ago extended his contract should cost €80 million or more.

Reijnders is not the only possible departure. Recent form, whispers and overall body language do not bode well for Theo and Leao. Early Tare and Allegri times seem to indicate that the former could be sold with some leaks that he is demanding a big salary bump supporting the feeling. His most recent form does not work in his favour but they do not work in Milan’s advantage either. Theo’s contact runs out next summer and the threat of another Bosman free transfers looms on Milan more than most teams. However, Leao is said to be wanted by the new sporting director and coach and may yet become the cornerstone of the team.

A Maignan extension seems to be on the agenda as well, seemingly requested by Allegri. Elsewhere on the pitch an Italianization remains on the cards. Torino’s Samuele Ricci being one oft mentioned name. Parma’s Giovanni Leoni is another very young player on the radar. His possible transfer might signal changes at the back.

Recent history has not shown it to be the case but this summer’s changes could signal a move towards promoting Milan’s own youth products and Camarda could be the start with the likes Bartesaghi, Liberali the primary and readier candidates. This would of course match up with the move towards a more Italian Milan. There is lots to work on in the departures department if there is to be any kind of revolution. Another year zero beckons with the likes of Loftus-Cheek, Sottil, Walker and others like Tomori candidates to leave the team.

Allegri’s most recent dour tactics and conduct while at Juventus has not made many Milan fans receptive to the idea of having the former scudetto winner back but his arrival is at least a step in the direction of creating a more predictable team. Where Fonseca and Conceicao failed is where Allegri can restore some semblance of order. Eleven coaches in eleven years is where Milan stand at now and reversing this trend is arguably one of the biggest needs.

This summer the team may take fuller shape earlier and that would be out of the norm for Milan. In any case the team will be contending with official games sooner than most seasons. A Coppa meeting with Bari in August and a World Cup coming next summer set up an early start to the new season.

Forza Milan

Milan – Monza Serie A Week 38

Milan – Monza Serie A Matchday 38 May 24 2025 20:45CET

Week 37 away at Roma provided yet more evidence that the current Milan is broken and in crisis. The players showed little will and shape and the coach himself received a red card and will miss what is in all likelihood his last match in charge of Milan. Conceicao was right to be critical of the refereeing however. Gimenez was sent off for an elbow that was identical to the one Gabbia received in the Coppa final match days earlier. The same VAR in charge saw the same incident differently. Alas the team has had a horrendous season and the responsibility starts at the top but is shared by all down to the players. Igli Tare might arrive as a Sporting Director and an Italian Milan might take shape but there is little reason for optimism as things stand. Time and the upcoming summer will tell.

The red Giminez received rules him out of this season finale. Jovic is the most likely replacement. Leao and Pulisic will start on the wings. Whispers that the latter is seeking clarification before agreeing to any contract extensions are predictable, if not necessarily true. Fofana and Reijnders should start in their usual pivot roles. The rumours about the latter’s future seem more concrete but the player may still remain. He signed an extension mere months ago. Theo’s season has been mixed to poor and he looks like another asking for assurances. It would be unsurprising if he is not a Milan player come September. The Frenchman may not even start this last game with Musah taking his place. Jimenez will start on the right of midfield. Tomori, Gabbia and Pavlovic should keep their back three places in front of Maignan.

Milan sit in ninth spot with no chance of finishing sixth. This means no European football next season, not even the dreaded Conference League. The only thing to play for is saving some face and perhaps a top eight spot. Beating Monza and finishing above one of Fiorentina (away versus Udinese) or Bologna (at home versus Genoa) means the team can avoid the early rounds of the 2025-2026 Coppa Italia that are scheduled for August.

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Five AC Milan Legends Who Deserve Their Flowers

AC Milan has never struggled for star power. From Van Basten to Maldini to Kaká, the club’s history reads like a footballing hall of fame. But beneath the spotlight lies a second layer of influence — players whose contributions didn’t always trend, but whose presence was crucial to Milan’s most dominant eras.

Football history often fixates on goals and glamour. But Milan, at its best, thrived on structure. On roles well played. On players who didn’t demand attention — but deserved it anyway.

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These are five players who won everything — and still fly under the radar.

Functional Players, Exceptional Eras

AC Milan’s success has always been systemic. Yes, they had flair — but they also had glue. These are the men who made the whole thing stick.

Massimo Ambrosini: The Anchor in the Chaos

In a midfield with Andrea Pirlo’s elegance and Gennaro Gattuso’s fire, Ambrosini was the stabiliser. He read danger early. He won second balls. He filled the gaps no one else noticed — until he wasn’t there.

He was never the face of a project, but he was often its spine. Captaining Milan in the late 2000s, he bridged the transition between two eras — and helped deliver a Champions League in 2007.

What he taught Milan: Sometimes the best creativity comes from control.

Role Fluidity Before It Was Trendy

Football now talks a lot about “inverted full-backs” and “hybrid eights.” Milan had players who lived that tactical complexity — before it became a podcast talking point.

Kakhaber Kaladze: The Perfect Puzzle Piece

Kaladze wasn’t flashy. He wasn’t loud. But he was always useful. Signed in 2001, the Georgian defender slotted into centre-back, left-back, and even midfield when required — and he did it all with the kind of quiet competence managers love.

He featured in two Champions League final squads and over 250 matches — mostly without fanfare.

The value: Not every elite squad needs a star in every position. It needs solutions.

Serginho: The Jet on the Left

Serginho was electric. Whether bombing down the flank or coming off the bench to change tempo, he offered verticality in a system that often prized control.

He wasn’t a guaranteed starter — but he was a guaranteed problem. His pace and delivery stretched defences, especially in big games. Like the 2003 Champions League final, where he calmly slotted home in the penalty shootout.

Takeaway: Speed ages. Tactical intelligence doesn’t.

The Unsung Architect

Before the word “regista” became mainstream, AC Milan had a midfielder who defined the role — and rarely got the same praise.

Demetrio Albertini: The Original Orchestrator

Before Pirlo, there was Albertini. Calm in possession. Brave under pressure. And capable of dictating rhythm across 90 minutes without raising his voice — or his pulse.

He came through Milan’s youth ranks and won five Serie A titles and a Champions League. But outside of Italy, his name rarely surfaces in best-XI debates.

Why he mattered: Milan’s success in the 1990s didn’t begin with dribbles. It began with decisions.

Impact in the Moments That Count

Legacy isn’t just about volume — it’s about timing. The final. The derby. The goal when it actually matters. Daniele Massaro understood this better than most.

Daniele Massaro: The Clutch Contributor

Massaro wasn’t Milan’s biggest name. He wasn’t even always first-choice. But in the 1994 Champions League final — arguably the most dominant performance in Milan’s history — he scored twice against Barcelona.

He didn’t rack up 30-goal seasons. He just showed up when it counted. Which, in Milan’s system-first mentality, was often enough.

Lesson: You don’t need to be the guy. You just need to be there when it matters.

What Can Football Learn From This?

Milan built dynasties balancing psychology, structure, and timing. 

Here’s what modern fans can take away:

1. Celebrate structure, not just sparkle.

Ambrosini and Kaladze weren’t flashy. But they were foundational. Every successful system has unsung elements.

2. Tactical flexibility is a currency.

Kaladze played across three roles. Serginho redefined substitution impact. Versatility isn’t backup — it’s a strategy.

3. Legacy lives in the moment.

Massaro won’t top historical scoring charts. But his goals are still being replayed 30 years later. It’s about when, not how often.

4. Midfield maestros come in quiet tones.

Albertini didn’t dazzle. He directed. Some of Milan’s best football was played to the beat of his tempo.

Standard-bearers for Milan

AC Milan’s story is full of icons. But it’s also full of infrastructure — human, tactical, emotional. These five players may not top lists or trend online, but they defined what it meant to wear the badge.

Legacy isn’t always loud. But it lasts.

Roma – Milan Serie A Week 37

Roma – Milan Serie A matchday 37 May 18 2025 20:45CET

Milan managed to provide an encapsulation of the very disappointing and poor season in the Coppa Italia final. An ineffective, mediocre performance against Bologna in Roma left Milan with another embarrassment. As if not given before the 1-0 loss in Roma the season is now deserving of words like fiasco, regression and worse. The responsibility clearly starts at the top but is not confined to Gerry Cardinale, Paolo Scaroni, Giorgio Furlani, Ibra and Geoffrey Moncada. Conceicao (and Fonseca before him) and most of the squad share fault. As is natural the positive and good players, but not only them, are subject to exit rumours. As one example, Reijnders is reported to be a solid target for Manchester City. While selling a player of his importance is a few steps back the selling price is also a factor. History shows that Milan are not exactly the best at maximizing sales numbers. A painful summer, that may include qualification for the UEFA Conference League, is upon us.

Travelling to Rome with only a hope of keeping a top eight spot is not how the penultimate game of the season should have been or should be for a team with Milan’s resources but here we are.

Little to no change is expected as Maignan will start behind Tomori, Gabbia and Pavlovic. The Jimenez, Reijnders, Fofana, Theo quartet is also expected to start. Gimenez might get a now rare start in place of Jovic. Otherwise Pulisic and Leao should retain their spots. The latter had one of his off games and while he remains the team’s top pure talent he is very deserving of expectations and criticism of not delivering them more often. All in all the squad has not been managed as well as should be expected and as mentioned above very few can escape the blame.

Roma lie only three points ahead of Milan in sixth place. A win in this match and in the season finale versus Monza will add a minor positive note to the 2024-25 Serie A season but Milan is in crisis and Cardinale absence from Milan only heightens the hopes for another team sale.

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