AC Milan celebrated its 125th anniversary on December 14, 2024, with much fanfare before their Serie A match against Genoa. The atmosphere at San Siro was charged with excitement as legendary players and current greats came together to honor the club’s storied history. Despite this joyful atmosphere, the match itself ended disappointingly for the Rossoneri, resulting in a 0-0 draw against Genoa.
Before the kick-off, Milan honored several of its legends by inducting them to the Hall of Fame. Among those recognized were iconic figures like Marco van Basten, Andrea Pirlo, and Filippo Inzaghi, who received warm applause from the nearly 70,000-strong crowd. This celebration was intended to be the highlight of the day, but some felt overshadowed by the notable absences of other club legends, most controversially, Paolo Maldini.
Rumor has it Maldini’s absence was tied to unresolved issues with the club’s new ownership. Fans expressed their disappointment over the lack of presence from several notable legends. Others missing from the celebrations included Zvonimir Boban, Franco Baresi, Ronaldinho, Cafu, and Dida. The disappointment was palpable as the club’s loyal supporters had hoped to see more of their heroes. Despite the criticisms, Milan managed to attract several big names including the likes of Gullit, Rijkaard, and Pato among others.
To commemorate the special occasion, AC Milan donned a unique celebratory vintage jersey, specially chosen by fan vote. This shirt design not only celebrated its past but also embodied the spirits of its passionate supporters. The game itself, meant to be another highlight of the festivities, turned out to be anything but. The squad, under coach Paulo Fonseca, was facing challenging circumstances, missing key players like Christian Pulisic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek due to injury.
On the other hand, Genoa, under Patrick Vieira, came to San Siro with confidence, riding on five unbeaten matches, including recent draws with Torino. They were considered the underdog leading up to the match, but their disciplined approach was clear as they focused on defense against the fervent Milan attack.
From the whistle, the Milan players applied pressure meaning to monopolize the game. They dominated possession and created several scoring opportunities. The most notable chance came from Reijnders, whose deft shot narrowly missed hitting the target early on. Despite their pressure, the Rossoneri found themselves unable to breach Genoa's defense, primarily managed by their goalkeeper Leali, who was assured between the posts.
During the match, the tension grew as the clock ticked down. Fans expected to see Milan celebrate not just their history but also secure the three points. Alvaro Morata, substituted on for the struggling Abraham, sparked hope with his relentless efforts. He nearly broke the deadlock with ten minutes left, hitting the crossbar with his close-range shot, sending shockwaves through the stadium.
Despite Milan’s relentless pursuit, the score remained tied at 0-0. The game culminated not with celebration but with boos from the home fans who were outraged at the result, especially after such high expectations for both the anniversary and the match itself. Whispers of discontent focused not only on the match result but also on the squad's performance. Even prominent players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic faced criticism as fans vocalised their frustrations.
The culmination of celebrations, disappointments, and high hopes for the players reflected on the pitch. The match illustrated Milan’s hopes for the season could be rapidly crumbling as they try to secure their position on the league table. This evening, it was merely another reminder of the work needed to be done and the high expectations resting on the team.
After the match, Milan fans processed the draw along with the celebrations, reflecting on the festive commemoration of their beloved club and the realization of what lies ahead. The disappointment from the result tinged the jubilation of the anniversary, casting shadows on the otherwise joyful occasion.
Genoa’s consistent performances this season now place them alongside teams like Roma and Lecce, both tied on points. For AC Milan, disappointment lingers as they return to training, hoping to turn things around, starting with their upcoming fixtures.
