Qualifying for the last 16 of the Champions League would have a profound impact on AC Milan from a sporting point of view but also from an economic standpoint too.
Corriere dello Sport (via MilanNews) writes how the growth of Milan in recent years, more or less since Stefano Pioli joined as head coach, is there for all to see. It started with a return to the Champions League after seven years of absence with a second-place finish in the league in 2020-21, and then last season’s Scudetto win secured pot one for the draw.
Milan continue to prove themselves as a formidable side domestically but the next step is to succeed in establishing themselves in Europe as well, and the victory in Dinamo Zagreb means only a draw against Red Bull Salzburg is needed to reach the last 16.
The team had been questioned after the two defeats against Chelsea but they responded by beating a team that had not lost at home in 2022 and they also scored four goals in a Champions League victory for the first time since 2005 against Fenerbahce.
Now the Rossoneri find themselves with destiny in their own hands, and next Wednesday at San Siro 75,000 fans will be present to support the team knowing a draw or win would see them reach the Champions League last 16 for the first time in nine years.
Reaching the knockout stages would provide additional revenue to boost the virtuous circle started more than four years ago with the change in ownership. The level of financial resources would increase and would also allow greater economic freedom for things like important renewals, with Rafael Leao and Ismael Bennacer standing out above all.
