GdS: Conte precedent presents lifeline as Milan must start from Coppa Italia win | OneFootball

With a spot in the Coppa Italia final, the last couple of days have been filled with enthusiasm for AC Milan and it’s something they cannot afford to waste. Everything starts from that final, and the Rossoneri know it.

Wednesday’s derby win against Inter, as Gazzetta dello Sport begins (see photo below), won’t change the season as the damage of missing out on the Champions League has already been done. On the other hand, the fire in the hearts of the Milan fans has certainly been rekindled.

Once again, there is a desire for ‘a great Milan’, for the present but above all for the future. The setback suffered last year, when Inter won the Scudetto in the derby, was somewhat made up for by stopping the Nerazzurri’s treble target, while also going unbeaten for five derbies.

Now, all eyes are on the Coppa Italia final against Bologna to secure the second title of the season, as well as the second title of the RedBird era. Given the disappointing Serie A campaign, as well as the UCL elimination, the situation still isn’t good but the bitterness would be slightly less evident with a win in the final.

Milan’s only way to European football

Winning the Coppa Italia would, above all, guarantee access to the next edition of the Europa League. It certainly cannot be compared with the Champions League, from the revenue to the competing teams, but missing out on European football altogether would be disastrous.

Playing on Thursday nights would take away precious energy in the race for the Scudetto, that much is true, but the Rossoneri have already strengthened the squad numerically speaking. We saw it in January and while the outcome hasn’t been perfect so far, it’s not a huge concern.

Because the reinforcements will continue in the summer with the new sporting director, and a winning coach will be chosen to relaunch the Rossoneri in the league.

Second star remains the goal

When looking at Milan’s position in the standings, it’s important to remember that it’s possible to change in a very short period of time. Napoli have demonstrated this, finishing 10th in 2023-23 and now fighting for the Scudetto with Antonio Conte.

Milan, perhaps strengthened in morale by the two trophies won in 2024-25 (the Coppa isn’t done yet, we know), will have a different determination to fight at the top. Just how much enthusiasm the qualification for the Coppa Italia final has brought, however, cannot be wasted.

That’s why Sergio Conceicao asked his team not to take their foot off the accelerator in view of tomorrow’s game against Venezie. And the club agrees with the line chosen by the coach, so much so that yesterday, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and technical director Geoffrey Moncada showed up at Milanello.

Not to celebrate the success in the derby, but to make the presence of the management felt. Consistency has been lacking this season and therefore, a win and a good game is needed against Venezia. Then they must do the same against Genoa and Bologna in the league, before the big final…