In recent days there has been a lot of talk about how, over the last 20 years, Inter have won many more trophies than Milan, and so on, with many Nerazzurri fans and aligned journalists (openly or otherwise) trying to overturn what has always been an unquestionable truth: as things stand today, Milan are the leading team in Milan, in terms of prestige, trophies won, and history.
That being taken as given, there is a very big “however”, and it is directed at the current management. By the end of May, Inter will win the league title and rise to 47 trophies. If they also win the Coppa Italia, which is also very likely, they will reach 48. Milan are stuck at 50.
This ownership is already marked in history for having allowed their rivals to be the first to reach the second star, moreover in a derby at Milan’s home ground. Will they also manage the feat of being overtaken in the overall tally of trophies won? Of course, victories also carry weight, seven Champions Leagues can never be outweighed, but the situation is starting to smell, as relayed via Milan News.
Also because at the start of the season, all that is talked about is qualification for the Champions League, beginning with those at the top. The President and Chief Executive Officer consider participation in Europe’s top competition essential to give continuity to the sporting project. But what sporting project? The one of irritating, anaemic drifting among the top four places, where finishing first or fourth makes no difference? We all know that Italian clubs need the revenue from the Champions League, TV rights, ticket sales, and progression bonuses. There is no need to underline it every time, thank you.
The fans, and the whole environment, would like to hear the word “winning” every now and then. Taking part is fine and necessary, but Milan are Milan, a team that, even after a dreadful season, sells out season tickets at San Siro. Milan are Milan because they have won. And if they stop winning, it seems rather embarrassing to have to write it, but after hearing Cardinale’s interviews from a few years ago it is probably necessary, then the fan drifts away. That means fewer tickets sold, fewer season tickets, and less money. This is the only language that has been understood at Casa Milan for some years now, so perhaps writing it this way might switch on a lightbulb.
And it is not healthy, here we also enter those unpleasant corporate dynamics, to rely on the “lifebuoy” of tourists. Recent years seem to suggest that San Siro will sell out regardless, thanks to the many foreigners who come to visit the “Scala of Football” to treat themselves to a special afternoon or evening, with a hot dog, a couple of selfies, and maybe a stolen kiss on the kiss cam. We certainly do not need to point out that this stopgap is not something on which to build a solid business: the only ones who guarantee consistent engagement and spending are the hardcore fans, who for this ownership seem to be a nuisance. The hardcore fan lives and dies for their team, does everything for their colours, but has one problem: they want to win. They absolutely want to win. And that is where the trouble begins.
They should do the maths properly: if this trend continues, being overtaken is certainly not far off. And then even the eternal runners-up will be able to raise their voices after a lifetime in the shadows. Gerry and Giorgio, when do we start winning again? Words and fake pre-season declarations are not enough, the supporters are tired and want facts. Those are the only things that matter and will continue to matter. This was relayed from Milan News.
