AC Milan faced Udinese at the Bluenergy Stadium on Friday evening, April 11, 2025, in a crucial Serie A clash as they aimed to revive their hopes of European football. The Rossoneri, currently sitting ninth in the league with 48 points, were looking to improve their standing after a disappointing 2-2 draw against Fiorentina in their previous match. With seven games remaining in the season, Milan found themselves seven points behind the Champions League spots, making this match vital for their aspirations.
Udinese, on the other hand, entered the match in 11th place, trailing Milan by eight points. The home side was desperate to end a three-game losing streak and had been struggling with injuries to key players, including Alexis Sanchez, Florian Thauvin, and Keinan Davis. The absence of these attackers significantly weakened their frontline, putting additional pressure on striker Lorenzo Lucca to deliver.
As the match kicked off at 19:45 BST, both teams were eager to establish control early on. Milan's head coach, Sergio Conceicao, opted for a 3-4-3 formation, with Luka Jovic leading the attack alongside Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao. This tactical shift was aimed at maximizing Milan's offensive capabilities while also solidifying their defense with three center-backs: Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia, and Strahinja Pavlovic.
In contrast, Udinese lined up in a 3-5-1-1 formation, featuring goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, who was tasked with keeping the Milan attack at bay. The home team included players like Kristensen, Bijol, and Solet in defense, while the midfield boasted Ehizibue, Lovric, and Karlstrom, with Lucca positioned as the lone striker.
Milan started the match brightly, showcasing their intent to score early. Just seconds into the game, a defensive error from Udinese nearly led to a goal, but Okoye made a crucial save from Tijjani Reijnders' shot, sending the ball to a corner kick. The Rossoneri maintained pressure, with Theo Hernandez also coming close with a shot from outside the box that went wide.
Despite Milan's initial dominance, the match settled into a slower pace as Udinese began to find their rhythm. However, the home side struggled to create significant chances, often unable to penetrate the Milan defense. The atmosphere at the Bluenergy Stadium was electric, with fans eager to support their team in a must-win situation.
As the first half progressed, Milan continued to control possession, but they faced challenges in breaking down Udinese's defense. Conceicao's men had to remain vigilant as Udinese attempted to exploit any gaps, particularly through the pace of their wingers. However, the visitors' defense held firm, with Maignan having little to worry about in goal.
Both teams entered halftime without finding the back of the net, but the second half promised more excitement. Milan's players were aware that they needed a victory to keep their European hopes alive, while Udinese sought to capitalize on their home advantage.
In the second half, Milan maintained their attacking approach, looking for that elusive goal. Jovic, who had been a focal point in the attack, was determined to make an impact. The Serbian striker had displayed flashes of brilliance throughout the match, and his teammates were keen to support him in finding the net.
However, the match continued to be a test of patience for both sides. Udinese's defense, bolstered by their home crowd, began to frustrate Milan's attempts to score. The Rossoneri's struggles in converting chances were evident, as they repeatedly found themselves thwarted by Okoye's solid goalkeeping.
As the clock ticked down, the tension in the stadium escalated. Milan knew that time was running out, and a failure to secure three points could severely dent their ambitions for European competition. The pressure mounted, and both teams were aware of the stakes involved.
In the final minutes, Milan pushed forward with renewed vigor, desperately seeking a breakthrough. The substitutes were introduced, with fresh legs aiming to change the dynamic of the game. Conceicao's tactical changes were evident as he sought to maximize his team's attacking potential.
Despite their efforts, Milan struggled to find the back of the net. Udinese's defense held strong, and the match concluded without goals, leaving both teams with a point. Milan remained in ninth place, now nine points adrift of the Champions League spots, while Udinese's hopes of climbing the table were similarly hindered.
Post-match, Conceicao expressed his disappointment at the result, acknowledging the need for his team to convert chances into goals. "We have to focus on the match without looking at the standings; there are three points at stake. It's been a good week for us, I'm happy with how we've trained, I've seen good things. Hopefully, the game will be a reflection of our work during the week," he commented.
For Udinese, the draw was a mixed blessing. While they managed to stop the losing streak, the team still faced challenges ahead. Coach Kosta Runjaic highlighted the importance of building on the performance, stating, "If we go out on the pitch with the right attitude, we will have the chance to do well even against a Milan side that is still very strong."
