Despite an inconsistent season, AC Milan still had a shot at European qualification heading into their penultimate Serie A fixture.
A positive result against AS Roma could have kept their hopes alive. However, a 3-1 defeat to the Giallorossi at the Stadio Olimpico extinguished any lingering aspirations, confirming that Milan will miss out on European competition next season.
The match began with promise for Milan, but Roma quickly asserted their dominance. Gianluca Mancini opened the scoring in the 3rd minute, showing that they meant business. Milan responded with a goal from João Félix in the 39th minute, offering a glimmer of hope. Milan also went down to ten men following a red card to Santiago Gimenez, and it further compounded their misery.
Roma made good use of their numerical advantage and blew AC Milan away in the second half. Goals from Paredes and Cristante gave them a 3-1 win over Milan, moving the Giallorossi to fifth in the league standings, just one point behind Juventus.
This loss, coupled with results elsewhere, means Milan will finish outside the top seven, missing out on both the Champions League and the Europa League. It’s a significant blow for a club of Milan’s stature, especially considering their rich history in European competitions.
Earlier in the season, Milan had secured the Supercoppa Italiana, defeating Inter Milan in a thrilling encounter. However, this success was overshadowed by their overall underwhelming performances. Their Coppa Italia campaign ended in disappointment with a 1-0 loss to Bologna in the final, a match that could have provided a backdoor entry into European football.
Manager Sergio Conceição, who took over mid-season, faced challenges in stabilizing the team. Under his tenure, Milan showed flashes of brilliance but lacked consistency. The defeat to Roma not only ended their European hopes but also raised questions about the club’s direction and strategy moving forward.
For the fans and the club’s hierarchy, this season has been a letdown. The absence from European competitions will have financial implications and could affect the club’s ability to attract top talent. As Milan prepares for the next season, a comprehensive review and strategic planning will be essential to restore the club’s standing both domestically and in Europe.
