AC Milan marked its 125th Anniversary with grand pre-match celebrations on Sunday night, but unfortunately, the festivities were dampened by the team's disappointing performance as they were held to a 0-0 draw against Genoa. The match, played at the iconic San Siro stadium, was attended by over 70,000 passionate fans and featured the induction of several legendary players, but the Rossoneri struggled to match the occasion on the pitch.
The special evening kicked off with the AC Milan Hall of Fame induction ceremony, taking place at 7:45 PM. Iconic figures such as Marco van Basten and Filippo Inzaghi were honored, alongside Honorary Vice President Franco Baresi, the Hall of Fame's first official member. Although Andriy Shevchenko could not attend the ceremony, the club plans to honor him on the pitch soon with the same accolade. The honorees were celebrated with trophies crafted by Tiffany & Co., amid cheers from the San Siro crowd, which was dedicated to the history and legacy of AC Milan.
Following this, at 8:30 PM, the Official Ceremony for the 125th Anniversary unfolded, showcasing captivating performances, breathtaking light displays, and music, with the narration led by renowned actor and voice artist Luca Ward. Young players from AC Milan’s Youth Sector added to the emotional atmosphere as legends from the past proudly held up cups and trophies representing the club's glorious history. The pre-match entertainment also featured Meduza, the acclaimed Italian electronic music trio, who delivered their unforgettable set during this historic milestone celebration for the Club.
Despite the lively pre-match atmosphere, the action on the field failed to excite the fans. AC Milan could not manage to break the deadlock against Genoa, leaving them eighth in Serie A with only 23 points, significantly trailing leaders Atalanta by 14 points. The team’s lack of performance was met with frustration from the fans, resulting in them displaying banners and chants criticizing the club’s American ownership. One fan shouted, "Cardinale, you have to sell the club," reflecting the discontent simmering among the diehard supporters of the club.
Manager Paulo Fonseca had to navigate his side through injuries and discontent among senior players. He opted to start academy talent 17-year-old Mattia Liberali alongside other young players, which might have contributed to the lack of punch upfront. Despite creating opportunities, AC Milan dominated possession but failed to convert any of their 22 attempts on goal, only managing four shots on target. Their best chance came late in the game when Alvaro Morata struck the crossbar, leaving fans hoping for more as time wound down.
The draw, which came after recent Champions League success, confirmed for many fans their growing anxiety about AC Milan’s performance. They saw echoes of past struggles; one supporter pointed out the team lacked the competitive spirit seen during their glory years. Although the defense maintained their resolve, clinching their sixth home clean sheet this season, scoring problems persisted as this marked the third time within four Serie A home games they failed to find the net. This starkly contrasts the past 45 games where they managed to score.
With the match ending scoreless, the atmosphere shifted sharply as boos erupted from the stands. Fans were left yearning for more after having witnessed the tribute to club greats before the game. AC Milan’s frustrations weren't just confined to the pitch but extended off as well; the club's deeply rooted traditions and its soaring expectations weigh heavily on the players, especially during celebrations meant to commemorate their illustrious history.
Looking forward, AC Milan must address these matters urgently. Paired with their recent form after securing four consecutive wins in the Champions League, the Rossoneri aim to lift their spirits and climb back up the Serie A table. The next fixture against Hellas Verona will be pivotal as they look to right the ship and appease their disappointed fanbase. Despite the harsh critique of their performance against Genoa, there remains hope among fans and players alike—that they can rekindle their passion for success and honor the club's distinguished legacy.
