AC Milan is in danger of missing out on European football in Serie A. A Coppa title could remedy the situation. But that’s not the only reason why a final victory against Bologna would be important for the Rossoneri.
Anyone with even a passing interest in soccer knows that Milan is not just any club. The Lombardy-based side has won 19 league titles, seven European Cups and Champions League trophies, and five Italian Cups.
It’s a history that carries weight. At least, that’s how coach Sergio Conceicao sees it. “The pressure of expectation is part of Milan’s history,” said the Portuguese coach at the press conference ahead of Wednesday evening’s Coppa Italia final against Bologna, making no secret of the ambitions of the red and black camp. That’s just how it is “at big clubs.”
However, Milan has not really presented itself as a big club in the current season. In the Champions League, they were surprisingly knocked out in the play-offs against Feyenoord, while in the domestic league, a sobering eighth place reflects what Conceicao described as a “difficult season.” “We are aware of that,” continued the 50-year-old, who hopes to give his own fans ‘something to celebrate’ in these times.
Some Rossoneri fans see a possible triumph in the cup as a last straw to avoid having to label the season a complete failure. For Conceicao, this is understandable given Milan’s self-image: “The fans are used to winning titles.” This must be accepted, despite all the adversity caused by unfortunate results, injuries, and so on: “These are excuses that the fans don’t want to hear. Fans want results.”
Dress rehearsal no yardstick
Positive for Milan: On Friday, Milan beat today’s final opponents Bologna 3-1 to keep their chances of qualifying for Europe via the league alive. However, Conceicao does not want to focus too much on the home win. “There could be personnel changes,” he said, looking ahead to the match, “we will be prepared for several scenarios, as we know that we will probably face a different Bologna than we did a few days ago.”
Conceicao leaves the press in the dark
There are also changes on the horizon for Conceicao’s players. Rafael Leao, who was suspended at the weekend, is available again, and Milan are also hoping that Youssouf Fofana, who has been struggling with injury, will be fit to play. He was able to complete the latest training session, but a final test is still pending. The same goes for the decision on who will start up front at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. “I’ll keep it short: I’m not going to tell you,” replied the Milan coach with a smile when asked about Santiago Gimenez and Luka Jovic.
Goalkeeper and captain Mike Maignan is certain to feature. The Frenchman has won everything in Italy except the Coppa Italia, which Milan last won in 2002/03. That was at a time when Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Nesta, Clarence Seedorf, and Rivaldo wore the proud Rossoneri jersey. So it’s understandable when Maignan talks about his “great hunger” to join the illustrious list of Milan cup winners: “We want to win this trophy for all Milan fans. We know how important it is that Milan not only plays finals, but wins them.”
Ideally, that should happen on Wednesday evening. For the red and black identity, for Europa League qualification and, last but not least, for Conceicao, whose future in the fashion capital is still open.
