The weekend that has just ended has outlined the league standings even more clearly. At least for the next few weeks, the title race will revolve around Inter and Milan, without forgetting Napoli, who certainly do not want to play a secondary role.
The narrow win over Lecce gave the Rossoneri back the certainties that had come and gone in recent weeks. There is little concern for aesthetics, the focus is on winning. Massimiliano Allegri can be satisfied because, at last, all the pieces of his puzzle are falling into place. And so, in decisive moments, those figures who have sparked debate in recent times return to the spotlight, or step into it for the first time.
Starting with Mike Maignan, who in recent matches has shown how fair and justified that contract renewal is for both sides. Then there is the new centre-forward, Niclas Füllkrug, strongly wanted by Allegri and decisive in exactly the way Milan had previously failed to be sharp. Credit is also due to Igli Tare, who moved early, even before the winter transfer window opened, and gave the Rossoneri coach a striker in time to settle into Italian football. Füllkrug needed very little time, showing desire and self-sacrifice. By the way, the Rossoneri fans who follow Milan closely and enjoy engaging with sports action off the pitch can explore the 1Win app, a mobile platform for live betting, real-time stats, and casino games.
In the coming weeks, Milan will need to push on the accelerator, also taking advantage of the fact that Inter and Napoli will have many more commitments, between the Champions League and the Coppa Italia. Allegri knows, though, that this means nothing by itself. Managing energy levels must go hand in hand with winning on the pitch, and Milan must continue on their path of maturity, growth, and increasing awareness. The upcoming matches will be difficult, but they can give the Rossoneri even greater emotional strength, in a month that could decide much about the fate of the title race. Allegri knows how to move in this limbo, he knows how to play his cards. This Milan have everything needed to reach the final bend of the season in pole position. Now they must push forward, without ever looking back.
Allegri, respect and the numbers that debunk the "luck" narrative:
Max Allegri is right when he speaks of a lack of respect toward Milan. Attributing everything to luck means discrediting the daily work carried out at Milanello by the coach and his staff. But how can it be only luck when Milan are second in the table with 46 points, boasting the league’s second-best attack and second-best defence? How can it be dismissed as mere “good fortune” when Milan have 15 more points than they did at the same stage last season? The pragmatic, unspectacular way of winning might not appeal to everyone, but in sport results are what matter. At this point in their history, Milan need to win and remain at the top, after a humiliating year marked by embarrassing performances across Italy. Moreover, it is not as though Milan have been both spectacular and successful over the past 10 to 15 years. If we want to invoke legendary figures like Ancelotti and Sacchi, that is fine, but we are talking about different footballing eras, both for Milan and for Italian football as a whole.
A real group and a dressing room that follows the coach:
The mood at Milanello has also changed significantly. This season Milan have a truly cohesive group, and Allegri has been valuable in this respect as well. Every new signing has settled in immediately, including the latest arrival, Niclas Füllkrug. The German striker has been warmly welcomed by the dressing room, and it is said he has brought a jolt of energy to the squad. A positive presence for the group, in terms of attitude and determination. You do not often see a player take the field with a broken finger, which speaks to an extremely high pain threshold. In a game increasingly dominated by fear of injury, Füllkrug does the opposite, stepping onto the pitch half injured but eager to be decisive for Milan.
RedBird, refinancing and the Elliott matter:
This brings us to the latest reports regarding RedBird’s refinancing. Gerry Cardinale’s aim is to find a new financier, possibly at a lower interest rate, to replace the Elliott fund. If no obstacles arise, the change should come within a few weeks. In terms of the debt structure, very little would change. Elliott would be replaced by another fund, such as Manulife Comvest, but Cardinale would still be required to repay the debt within the time frame set by the agreement, as relayed via Milan News.
Calvelli increasingly central, possible shift at the top:
The most significant development at corporate level could involve a change at the top, with Massimo Calvelli becoming an increasingly central figure. The Italian executive has been on Milan’s board since July, holding the role of CEO International at RedBird Development Group and Operating Partner, with the aim of enhancing RedBird’s international portfolio across the combined sectors of sport, media, and entertainment. Also noteworthy is Calvelli’s link to the PIF fund, which became a sponsor of the Association of Tennis Professionals in 2022, when the Tuscan executive was CEO. We will learn more in the coming days, but we may be facing another possible shake-up at the highest levels.
