Milan have shut themselves away at Milanello. Not out of convenience, but out of necessity. After difficult weeks, damaging results that have put fourth place at risk, and an increasingly tense atmosphere, Massimiliano Allegri has decided to try one last move: isolate the squad, bring them back together, and prepare for the final two matches of the season in the most serious way possible. Two games worth everything: Champions League qualification, judgement, the future, and credibility.
Allegri tries one final move
The Rossoneri coach knows perfectly well that there is no longer any room for half-measures. Milan still have their destiny in their own hands, but they must become a team again at the most delicate moment. The training retreat is meant for exactly this: lowering the outside noise, rediscovering focus, making the group take responsibility, and rebuilding a unity that has been seen far too little over the last month and a half. Allegri is trying everything, because throwing away a season in the final two bends would be a failure before it would be an enormous disappointment.
Milan and Genoa without two starters
The away trip against Genoa CFC, however, is already an uphill battle. At Marassi, Milan will have to do without three suspended players: Estupiñán, Leão, and Saelemaekers. Three major absences, especially at a stage when quality, energy, and attacking options are badly needed (particularly in the Ecuadorian’s case). Added to this is the absence of Luka Modrić, who is still unavailable. Allegri will therefore have to reshape the team, searching for balance and personality in a match that simply cannot be missed, also because it could be worth a large portion of the €100 million that would flow into the club’s coffers if they return to the Champions League. Now excuses, calculations, and promises no longer matter. Milan must win.
