Milan’s verdict for 2024-25 was delivered in a crushing way over five days in Rome. First came the Coppa Italia final defeat to Bologna, which saw the chance to earn a Europa League spot (and a second trophy) evaporate into the night sky.
Then, on Sunday night, the Rossoneri’s fate was sealed with a 3-1 defeat against Claudio Ranieri’s Roma. That means that eighth is the best possible finish this season, and thus there will be no European football in 2025-26.
Antonio Vitiello has published his weekly column for MilanNews and he chose to list so many of the ‘disasters’ that happened at Milan during the current campaign, which ends on Saturday night against Monza.
“For Milan, the time has come to take stock, and unfortunately the season has been more than a failure. In any company there would have already been layoffs or resignations after the huge mistakes made this season, but at Milan it seems that everyone is glued to their seats.
We hope for radical changes in management after a tragic year from a sporting point of view, but the trend does not bode well.
“In this editorial we list all the disasters made during the year, but also the only positive thing, namely the victory of the Super Cup. The only trophy won in a difficult year, which will be remembered among the worst of the last ten years.
“Out of Europe: This is the most serious thing. One hundred million were invested in the transfer campaign and the results did not arrive. Money badly spent, questionable management of the team, a year that ends out of every European competition. They also missed out on 50-60 million from the Champions League.
Since August, Milan had lost and drawn their first two games of the championship. In fact, they were never in the running for the title. Unlike the pompous declarations of some directors.
“Out in the Champions League play-offs: Another serious stain, exiting Europe at the hands of the very modest Feyenoord
“Two coaches: First Fonseca, then Conceição were two questionable and unfortunate choices. The big mistake was to underestimate the role of the coach, with the presumption that the team could be managed without a guide at Milanello.
Not only the failed results, but also many cases within the team. The cooling break in Rome, the fight on the pitch between Calabria and Conceiçao, the penalty case in Florence. Situations not handled well by the club.
“Conflicting Views: Even among managers there are different views on various topics, and this contributes to confusion in a club where there is no real sporting director with experience.
“Coppa Italia final lost: The huge disappointment of losing the final against Bologna, the final blow to the season. There is the regret of not having shown up in the match at the Olimpico.
“Devaluation of the player pool: Except for Pulisic and Reijnders, the other players have not had a top-level season. At the end of this year, the feeling is that Milan’s player pool has devalued.
“Theo and Maignan: These are the thorny cases that have been going on for years now. They keep saying that ‘we are working on the renewals’ but in the meantime there is only one year left until the deadline and the signature is still not there.
Relegation of Milan Futuro: The management of the second team was also terrible. 15 million euros spent to relegate in the first year. Zero talents coming out of the ‘kitchen’, indeed, players like Camarda were managed badly
Cardinale is neither seen nor heard. Absent owner, not fit to represent a club like Milan.
“Zero communication: There is no dialogue with the fans, there is no contact with the people. The club is always too distant. It works the same way with the press. Management isolated in their ivory tower.
“Destruction of the image of Milan: In the end, a Milan in a very bad state emerges and the image is of a club managed by amateurs. Abroad, this is the representation that is made of the current Milan.
“Zero political weight with the referees: Milan mistreated in every field in Italy and Europe. Taken in the face by everyone. No one does anything or says anything. The excuse of having to discuss in the ‘appropriate places’ does not hold up, the results say that when in doubt the refereeing decisions are against Milan.”
