AC Milan celebrated their progression to the semifinals of the Coppa Italia after securing a 3-1 victory over Roma on February 5, 2025. The triumph showcased the immediate impact of the club's new signings, with João Félix and Santiago Giménez making significant contributions to the win.
The match saw former Roma forward Tammy Abraham score twice for Milan, both goals coming from sharp assists delivered by Theo Hernandez. Abraham highlighted the effectiveness of the Rossoneri's attacking play, setting the tone early on. Roma, managed by José Mourinho, struggled to contain Milan's offensive movement, particularly as the first half progressed.
Midway through the second half, Roma's Artem Dovbyk pulled one back, making the match 2-1 and reinjecting life and urgency for the visitors. Milan's coach, Sérgio Conceição, responded with tactical changes, introducing his new recruits, João Félix and Santiago Giménez, to fortify the team's attacking prowess.
Within minutes of their introduction, the duo's chemistry came to the fore when Giménez delivered a perfectly threaded ball, allowing Félix to chip the ball over the outstretched goalkeeper, showcasing why Milan had heavily invested for their services during the last transfer window.
Post-match, Conceição did not shy away from providing his reflections on his players' performances. He expressed satisfaction with the contributions from his new signings, stating, "We had just one training session to prepare for this match. I’m very happy with the second goal and also content with the two new signings, João Félix and Santiago Giménez, who are both smart players," highlighting their seamless integration.
Despite the overall triumph, not all was well under Milan’s banner. Conceição focused some of his remarks on Rafael Leão, the number 10 who remained on the substitute bench until the final quarter of the match. Conceição emphasized, "He can do much, much more. He has incredible qualities... stepping out of the comfort zone is not easy, but for me, his work is important." This critique indicates the expectations the coach has for Leão, who has shown flashes of brilliance but inconsistent performances this season.
This sentiment of urgency to improve, directed at Leão, resonates with several coaching philosophies where nuanced roles are demanded from attacking players. Conceição believes Leão has the potential to become more integral to the team. His critique hinted at the competitive atmosphere being cultivated within the squad, partially fueled by the stellar abilities showcased by the coach’s latest signings.
Milan’s pathway to the semifinal looks promising, as they anticipate facing either city rivals Inter Milan or Lazio. The upcoming two-legged semifinal, set for April, adds another layer of excitement to Milan’s season as they chase the prestigious Coppa Italia trophy. With several new players still adjusting to their roles, fans hope for continued coherence on the pitch.
Reflecting on the broader picture, it is clear Milan's decision to rejuvenate their squad during the transfer window has begun to pay off. The contributions from the new players not only bolster the team's performance but also dictate the tactical direction Conceição seeks to instill, aiming for balance and aggressiveness.
Fans are left eager for what's next, hoping for more exceptional games like the one against Roma and to witness whether Leão can rise to the occasion or if the pressure from the coaching staff will inspire him to new heights.
With the Coppa Italia still within reach, the Rossoneri remain focused on solidifying their efforts, needing solid performances and tactical awareness from every player, especially as they look to continue their successful campaign.