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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Milan’s winter 2025 transfer window ended with a flurry of incoming transfers and by most estimates on a positive note. The window concluded with three loans and two transfers. Kyle Walker, Riccardo Sottil and Joao Felix arrived on loan from Manchester City, Fiorentina and Chelsea respectively. Santiago Gimenez for €35 million from Feyenoord and Wareen Bondo for €10 million from Monza were the two full arrivals.

Player Summary

Name:

Kyle Walker

Date of Birth:

May 28, 1990

Age:

34

Height:

1.83 m

Citizenship:

England

Position:

Fullback

Foot:

Right

Agency:

None

Ownership:

AC Milan

Contract Expires:

Jun 30, 2025

Current Club:

AC Milan

Joined:

Jan 24, 2025

Player Summary

Name:

Santiago Gimenez

Date of Birth:

Apr 18, 2001

Age:

23

Height:

1.83 m

Citizenship:

Mexico

Position:

Forward

Foot:

Left

Agency:

None

Ownership:

AC Milan

Contract Expires:

Jun 30, 2029

Current Club:

AC Milan

Joined:

Feb 3, 2025

Player Summary

Name:

Warren Bondo

Date of Birth:

Sep 15, 2003

Age:

21

Height:

1.77 m

Citizenship:

France

Position:

Midfielder

Foot:

Right

Agency:

None

Ownership:

AC Milan

Contract Expires:

Jun 30, 2029

Current Club:

AC Milan

Joined:

Feb 3, 2025

Player Summary

Name:

João Félix

Date of Birth:

Nov 10, 1999

Age:

25

Height:

1.81 m

Citizenship:

Portugal

Position:

Forward

Foot:

Right

Agency:

None

Ownership:

AC Milan

Contract Expires:

Jun 30, 2025

Current Club:

AC Milan

Joined:

Feb 3, 2025

Player Summary

Name:

Riccardo Sottil

Date of Birth:

Jun 3, 1999

Age:

25

Height:

1.8 m

Citizenship:

Italy

Position:

Forward

Foot:

Right

Agency:

None

Ownership:

AC Milan

Contract Expires:

Jun 30, 2025

Current Club:

AC Milan

Joined:

Feb 3, 2025

Calabria’s long rumoured exit became reality, his contract due to end this summer was not to be renewed and he joined Bologna after 18 years in the Milan organization. Okafor’s time at Milan was deemed less than successful and he joined Antonio Conte’s Napoli on loan. Morata started well at Milan but the less than healthy forward faded soon after, Milan found an interested team in Turkey and the Spanish forward left to Galatasary on an expensive loan with an option. Bennacer’s departure to Marseille happened quickly and left Milan’s management less than happy.

It could be argued that the transfer window that just concluded ended on a positive note for Milan. The rumoured Santiago Gimenez transfer from Feyenoord materialized. The self proclaimed Milan fan was bought for around €35 million, a sizable investment by Milan standards. Warren Bondo was bought from Galliani’s Monza for another €10 million. Kyle Walker’s earlier arrival was supplemented with Joao Felix and Riccardo Sottil loans to bolster the attacking depth. Four departures in Calabria, Morata, Okafor and Bennacer varied from expected to somewhat surprising.

Some of the newcomers – Felix in particular with a goal – showed their worth in the midweek 3-1 beating of Roma in the Coppa Italia quarterfinals. Now the Serie A work starts. A changed lineup is to be expected but will the formation look all too different? For this match away to Empoli it seems that the likes of Leao and Reijnders will be rested as the new team takes shape. Felix and Sottil are expected to get debut starts with Gimenez ready to jump in if needed. Bondo is not 100% and may not available for another week. The back four welcomes back Thiaw who is expected to partner Gabbia. Walker and Theo will be the fullbacks. Musah and Fofana should be the mid starters with the aforementioned Bondo filling in Bennacer’s spot on the squad for the upcoming matches. Pulisic also needs a rest but it will have to wait. Abraham will get another chance to score goals following his two goal performance against his parent team in the Coppa Italia. Sottil is set for an early debut following his arrival from Fiorentina. The Italian forward was not the subject of a prolonged rumour, a unusual occurrence by Milan standards.

Lorenzo Colombo is of course a familiar name for Milan fans and has scored six goals so far this season on loan at Empoli. His team sit 16th in the Serie A table and have not won a game this calendar year.

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The month of January started well with new coach leading Milan to a SuperCoppa win in Saudi Arabia. Excitement at Conceicao’s compact and demanding style rose hoping to ignite players into better shape and form. Results since have not matched the early expectation. There have been wins but mostly laboured and losses to Juventus and a poor loss to Dinamo Zagreb this midweek have raised questions again.

The Champions League loss in Zagreb deprived Milan of a top eight spot in the new format UEFA competition. Less money and an extra home and away playoffs (versus Feyenoord) await Milan. Milan is also still eighth in the Serie A table.

The winter transfer window closes on Monday February third and Milan have so far been quiet but mentioned often in rumours, as is typical. Whether by design or forced into action by the Champions League result The last hours of the window has the team moving. Calabria is already on his way to Bologna, his summer expiring contract making it a cheap operation for Bologna. Morata’s time at Milan is to last six months with the Spanish forward off to Galatasaray on loan. Tomori has been the subject of a Tottenham bid but seems likely to stay. The quoted transfer fee for the English defender is €30 million. This amount is what was paid for him 3.5 years ago when he was a younger player with little top flight experience and without a Serie A trophy. Surely Milan can demand more.

Santiago Gimenez is set to become a Milan player. The Mexican Feyenoord forward is set to replace Morata with the hopes of a longer term impact. Ironically his move was developing as Milan were paired with the Dutch team in the Champions League playoffs.

The derby is set to feature a Walker debut alongside Tomori, Pavlovic and Theo. The quartet will in front of Maigana will need to show good form to contain Marcus Thuram, Lautaro Martinez and co. The switch to a 4-3-3 without a suspended Fofana means Bennacer, Reijnders and possibly Mussah will play in midfield. Leao, Abraham and Pulisic are the likely front three as Milan don’t have that many options. The subs are set to be Chukwueze, Okafor, Jovic and Camarda. Okafor is being offered to others, Jovic is always an exit candidate and Camarda may be set for a dry loan, possibly to Monza, all in the name of more playing time. Some would say he can and should be the getting that time at Milan.

Inter’s squad is relatively healthy with recent absentees Hakan Calhanoglu and Francesco Acerbi available to play.

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