Italian football had a tumultuous weekend as Serie A returned to action, highlighting the challenges faced by several teams and stirring discussions among fans and analysts alike. The spotlight fell on AC Milan, who suffered significant setbacks both on and off the pitch.
On Saturday, February 17, 2025, AC Milan faced Torino, but the Rossoneri came away with nothing, losing 2-1. This marked their second consecutive defeat, raising concerns about their season. Christian Pulisic, reflecting on the team's recent struggles, stated, "It’s been a really tough week for us, especially after being eliminated from the Champions League by Feyenoord earlier." Following the game, the Milan board convened for an emergency meeting, where discussions surrounding the team’s performance took center stage.
Despite the crisis, reports indicate the board still has confidence in coach Sergio Conceicao. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, “the Milan board still have faith and confidence in Conceicao, and lay the blame of the Torino defeat at the feet of the players.” With the team only managing one win from their last four matches, the pressure is rising, particularly as they sit significantly behind league leaders and outside the Champions League positions.
Across town, Inter Milan was embroiled in controversies during their match against Genoa on February 18. Referee Marco Piccinini, who presided over the match, faced criticism for missing two clear instances deserving yellow cards. The Gazzetta dello Sport pointed out his leniency, stating, “Piccinini failed to show yellow cards for two blatantly bookable offenses,” which has stirred debates about the impact of officiatory decisions on match outcomes.
Inter managed to secure a 1-0 victory, but frustrations about the officiation loomed large, especially as star midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan narrowly avoided suspension, which could have altered future match strategies. The inability to penalize key fouls was particularly concerning, with one incident involving Genoa's Patrizio Masini, whose reckless tackle on Inter captain Lautaro Martinez went overlooked.
The competitive nature of Serie A was underscored on February 23 when Moise Kean, the former Everton and Juventus star, experienced a frightening incident during the Fiorentina clash with Verona. Kean collapsed on the pitch after sustaining what is now reported as severe head trauma, prompting medical personnel to rush him to the hospital. This alarming scene has sparked conversations about player safety and the necessity of stringent health protocols.
Reports following the incident have highlighted the seriousness of Kean's hospitalization and call for greater awareness around concussion protocols, especially after high-impact injuries are witnessed on the field. The match itself concluded with Verona winning 1-0 over Fiorentina, adding another layer of complexity to Fiorentina's season as they seek to regain their form.
Overall, the weekend of Serie A showcased the immense pressures teams face, both from matches and internal dynamics. Milan's struggles indicate potential shifts on the horizon as the board evaluates their performance, whereas referee Piccinini's decisions raise discussions about accountability within officiatory roles. The distressing incident involving Kean serves as a stark reminder of the physical toll the sport can take on its players. With the league's intensity only expected to escalate, every match will be pivotal as teams navigate the choppy waters of their respective campaigns.