The story of AC Milan over the past decade is one of glory tarnished by decay, a descent so painful that it felt like a betrayal to the legion of fans who once fell in love with the Rossoneri. For those who began supporting Milan during the late 80s, the club was a symbol of football’s finest. The mighty Rossoneri, powered by Ruud Gullit, Marco van Basten, and Frank Rijkaard, dominated Europe, etching themselves into the annals of football history. But what happens when the brightest flame dims and flickers, leaving only frustration?
After years of wandering in the wilderness, there are signs—a new wind, faint but persistent—blowing through the San Siro, carrying the hope of a rebirth.
The Glorious Past: A Kingdom Built by Legends
AC Milan’s golden age began in 1986 when entrepreneur Silvio Berlusconi acquired the club, rescuing it from financial ruin. Berlusconi’s investment brought Arrigo Sacchi to the managerial helm and ushered in the “Dutch era” with Gullit, Van Basten, and Rijkaard. This trio, alongside Italian greats like Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini, and Roberto Donadoni, introduced a philosophy of relentless attacking football. Sacchi’s Milan won the Scudetto in 1987-88, breaking a nine-year drought.
In Europe, Milan reasserted their dominance, winning the European Cup in 1989 by dismantling Steaua București 4-0. A year later, they became the last team to successfully defend the trophy, defeating Benfica. These triumphs made them the "Immortals," a team revered across generations and hailed as one of the greatest in football history.
When Sacchi departed in 1991, Fabio Capello took over and moulded Milan into the "Invincibles." Between 1992 and 1994, they embarked on a 58-match unbeaten streak in Serie A, capturing three consecutive titles. Under Capello, Milan reached three straight Champions League finals, including their iconic 4-0 demolition of Barcelona in 1994.
Milan’s identity became synonymous with winning, and their European pedigree shone again in the 2000s under Carlo Ancelotti, whose side lifted the Champions League trophy in 2003 and 2007. However, every empire inevitably faced decline, and Milan’s fall was about to begin.
The Lean Years: Calciopoli and Financial Woes
The first cracks appeared in the aftermath of the Calciopoli scandal in 2006, which implicated several clubs in match-fixing schemes. Although Milan escaped severe penalties, the scandal-tainted the club’s reputation and disrupted its rhythm. Local rivals Inter Milan seized the opportunity, dominating the domestic scene for the next several years.
Despite sporadic success, including a Scudetto win in 2010-11 under the leadership of veterans like Zlatan Ibrahimović, Milan struggled to maintain consistency. Ownership turbulence compounded the club’s problems. After several failed sales, Chinese businessman Li Yonghong took over in 2017 but defaulted on his loans within a year, forcing the hedge fund Elliott Management to assume control. The Rossoneri’s finances spiralled, resulting in a ban from the Europa League due to Financial Fair Play violations in 2019.
With constant managerial changes and no clear vision, Milan drifted aimlessly. Legends like Gattuso returned to manage the side, but even their passion couldn’t revive the sleeping giant.
The Spark of Change: Pioli, Maldini, and Ibrahimovic
In 2019, after a series of disappointing managerial appointments, Stefano Pioli took charge of Milan with little fanfare. Expectations were low, but behind the scenes, former icons like Paolo Maldini began steering the club toward a sustainable future. The return of Zlatan Ibrahimović in December 2019, following a humiliating 5-0 defeat to Atalanta, marked a psychological turning point. Zlatan brought more than goals; he restored belief and demanded excellence from his teammates.
At the time of his arrival, Milan languished in 11th place, their attack uninspired and stagnant. However, the narrative began to shift.
Signs of Revival: Hunger and Structure Return to San Siro
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted football, but it also allowed Pioli to reset. When the season resumed, Milan surprised everyone. Unlike rivals such as Juventus, Inter, and Napoli, who faltered post-lockdown, Milan displayed newfound hunger and unity. The Rossoneri seemed reborn—a team no longer haunted by the past but inspired by it.
Zlatan’s influence was undeniable, but the resurgence was not a one-man show. Theo Hernández, Franck Kessié, Ante Rebić, Rafael Leao, Ismael Bennacer, and Gianluigi Donnarumma formed the backbone of a revitalized squad. The players responded to Pioli’s tactical adjustments, notably the adoption of a 4-2-3-1 formation, which provided balance in attack and defence.
Pioli prioritized defensive solidity, with Simon Kjær and Alessio Romagnoli forming a resilient partnership at the back. The numbers reflected the transformation—Milan conceded fewer shots per game (down from 12.4 to 10.8) and maintained greater control in midfield, winning possession more frequently.
The midfield duo of Kessié and Bennacer epitomized Milan’s revival. Kessié’s power and drive complemented Bennacer’s technical prowess, allowing Milan to dominate the midfield battle. Rebić, who had initially struggled for consistency, flourished in 2020. All 11 of his league goals came after January, and Milan’s scoring average increased from 1.23 to 2.17 goals per game when he started.
The resurgence was not just tactical—it was spiritual. Players began fighting for every ball, playing with a sense of purpose unseen in years.
A New Dawn?
Pioli's transformation was so profound that the rumoured arrival of Ralf Rangnick as head coach in 2020 never materialized. Pioli had earned the right to continue shaping the team. His partnership with Zlatan fostered a culture of accountability and belief, qualities that had been sorely missing.
There is still much ground to cover, and Milan’s revival remains fragile. But the pieces are falling into place. The club’s investments in youth, combined with the leadership of veterans, suggest a promising future. The Rossoneri faithful, who endured years of decline, now have reason to hope.
It may be too soon to declare the dawn of a new golden era, but the winds of change are blowing through Milan. The spirit of the **Immortals** is stirring once again—reminding fans that football is not just about trophies but about the relentless pursuit of greatness.
And for those who believed in Milan through every triumph and heartbreak, there is a sense that the journey back to the top has truly begun. The Rossoneri, once lost in the shadows, are starting to shine again.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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