AC Milan's tumultuous season took another hit on April 5, 2025, as they faced Fiorentina in a match that ended in a disappointing 2-2 draw, leaving the Rossoneri's hopes for a Champions League spot hanging by a thread. The game, held at the iconic San Siro, saw Milan once again display their seasonal flaws, conceding two early goals just six and nine minutes into the match, which highlighted their ongoing defensive vulnerabilities.
The atmosphere within the Milan camp was already tense, with the team struggling to find consistency. Just days before, they had managed a stunning victory against Real Madrid, only to falter and draw against Cagliari. The arrival of coach Sergio Conceicao has not eased the pressure; in fact, it has intensified it. His management style has come under scrutiny after a series of poor decisions, including a public spat with former captain Davide Calabria, which was not an isolated incident of mismanagement.
One of the most controversial moments of the match came when Yunus Musah was substituted in the 22nd minute following a catastrophic error that led to Fiorentina's opening goal. Musah, who lost possession leading to the goal, did not shake hands with teammate Rafael Leao as he left the pitch, instead opting to head straight to the locker room to escape the jeers from the San Siro crowd. This swift exit highlighted the discontent among fans regarding his performance.
In Musah's place, Luka Jovic was brought on, but the damage had already been done. The substitution, which came just moments after Abraham's goal, was met with a chorus of boos from the stands. Musah's early exit was reminiscent of a similar incident that occurred during a previous match against Lazio, where he was also substituted in the first half after failing to meet expectations. On that occasion, the fans were equally unforgiving.
Despite the rocky start, Milan managed to respond with a display of resilience. After falling behind, they rallied to equalize through a determined effort, but ultimately, the draw did little to bolster their standings. With this result, Milan risks saying goodbye to European competitions altogether, as they currently sit in ninth place in the Serie A standings.
Christian Pulisic, another key player for the Rossoneri, managed to record an assist during the match, showcasing his ability to contribute even amidst the chaos surrounding the team. However, the overall performance was marred by the defensive lapses that have plagued Milan throughout the season.
As the match progressed, the frustration among players and fans alike became palpable. Musah's blunder on the first goal was particularly scrutinized, with many observers pointing to his lack of focus and poor decision-making as contributing factors to Milan's struggles. The media coverage following the match reflected this sentiment, with reports suggesting that Musah "deserved the boos" and was performing at a level more suited for Serie B.
Conceicao's tenure at Milan is now under serious threat, with speculation mounting that his time will come to an end at the conclusion of the season. The Supercoppa Italiana victory, achieved shortly after his appointment, has been overshadowed by a series of blunders and tactical missteps. His leadership has been called into question, particularly given the team's inability to maintain a lead or recover from early setbacks.
As the season approaches its final stretch, the Rossoneri will need to regroup quickly if they hope to salvage their campaign. The players must address the mental and tactical fragility that has become a hallmark of their performances under Conceicao. The upcoming matches will be crucial, and the pressure is mounting for both the players and coaching staff to deliver results.
The draw against Fiorentina serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead for AC Milan. With the fans growing increasingly restless and expectations high, the team must find a way to turn their fortunes around before it’s too late. The stakes have never been higher, and the eyes of the football world will be watching closely as the Rossoneri navigate the final weeks of the season.
