On March 15, 2025, AC Milan clinched a 2-1 comeback victory against Como at San Siro, yet the jubilation among fans was dampened by underlying tensions. While the team successfully beat the newcomers thanks to impressive performances from Tijjani Reijnders and Christian Pulisic, the reaction from the stands raised questions about the club's future.
Fans booed as the players departed the pitch, illustrating their dissatisfaction with the team's performance throughout the season. Despite securing back-to-back victories heading to the international break, the Rossoneri remain lowly placed at ninth, sitting six points adrift of the coveted top four positions necessary for Champions League qualification.
During the match, Diego Da Cunha put Como on the scoreboard first, scoring at the 33rd minute, giving the visitors hope of pulling off the upset. His potential second goal was surprisingly overturned by VAR due to what some deemed peculiar offside judgments. Milan was under pressure for much of the first half and managed to find their footing after the break.
Reijnders showcased his importance by assisting Pulisic's equalizer at the 53rd minute with sublime vision and precision. The USMNT star then adjusted the scoreboard himself after receiving a deft pass from Tammy Abraham, firing home the winner and marking his 15th goal of the season, equaling his career high.
Reijnders' key contributions earned him the MVP award with over 60% of the fan vote, outperforming Pulisic and Abraham. The young midfielder achieved three shots on target and completed 22 accurate passes, highlighting his dual-threat capability with both playmaking and finishing.
Post-match, Pulisic expressed the need for positivity within the group, emphasizing the importance of consistency: "We have to be more positive, because we have won two games in a row. We have the chance to get where we want, but we think game by game.” His optimistic tone stood in stark opposition to the backlash from the Curva Sud, the vocal supporter section, which had intentionally remained empty for the first 15 minutes of the game to protest management decisions.
The ensuing silence from the club, as players ignored traditional acknowledgments to the fans and retreated swiftly down the tunnel, left supporters frustrated. One notable commentator, journalist Pietro Mazzara, criticized this choice for potentially alienation, calling it unsettling to see the team shun the fans, especially after their protests.
"Jeers are the most civil form of protest... the fan has the sacrosanct right to whistle at the players who wear the shirt of their favorite team…" Mazzara noted, articulately summarizing the fans' viewpoint. His column emphasized how avoiding engagement with the Curva felt like disregarding the club's core values connected to its history and culture.
With this backdrop of tension, Milan still had much to celebrate. The comeback against Como emphasizes their resilience but also highlights the growing disconnect between club ambitions and fan expectations. Coach Sergio Conceicao will need to navigate this fragility with care as they approach the closing part of the season.
Despite the protests and player tensions, Milan’s battle continues, with Pulisic now joining the USMNT for the Concacaf Nations League Finals, showcasing yet another player taking the spotlight following recent achievements.
Further complicatings the narrative, the Rossoneri have seen their season metamorphosed from being title contenders to fighting just to make it back to Europe. After their win against Como, questions began swirling about whether they can resolve these issues quickly enough to salvage anything meaningful from the campaign as they head toward the next fixture.
Looking at the calendar, Milan's next match could prove pivotal. Having now shown they have the firepower to win, they also have to rebuild trust and connection with their loyal support. It's evident they will need all the motivation they can muster when they return to the pitch, seeking fans’ belief along the way. Reijnders, Pulisic, and the rest of the squad must rise to the occasion, proving they deserve the love from the prominent and passionate Curva Sud.
Only time will tell if AC Milan can find the strength to make the necessary adjustments before the season concludes, shifting their focus back to winning on the pitch and winning over the hearts of their faithful fans united behind them.
