Milan reaches the break with the awareness that they can still chase fourth place, which would guarantee a spot in the Champions League.
The Rossoneri are coming off two consecutive league victories, and upon returning from the break, they will have to attempt something they have never been able to achieve this season: finding consistency.
Only in this way can the Champions League, currently six points away with five teams to overtake, become more attainable—aside from relying on unfavorable results for direct rivals.
Much, however, will depend on Milan's own results. In the last nine matchdays, the Rossoneri will face five teams from the top eight in the standings—sides they failed to beat in the first half of the season. Corriere dello Sport published the following headline:
"Champions League race, if direct clashes are already a taboo."
So far, in matches against the top eight, Milan has only managed a victory in the first-leg derby. From now until the end of the season, they will face Napoli, Fiorentina, Atalanta, Roma, and Bologna. Much will depend on their ability to get results against their competitors.
