The Europa League has become decisive for AC Milan in terms of salvaging the season and in particular for Stefano Pioli’s future at the club, according to a report.
As Corriere dello Sport (via PianetaMilan) report this morning, Milan simply cannot put in another performance like the one that they did against Monza at the weekend because otherwise the three-goal lead obtained from the first leg could quickly evaporate.
Europe has become a focus for Milan just as it did last season given that winning the Scudetto is now out of reach, and going all the way in the Europa League would guarantee three more matches at San Siro for box office revenues, plus prize money.
Going to the final in Dublin would bring €35-40m into the accounts, a figure that includes the market pool and takes into account the historical ranking too, but it goes beyond just the economic factor.
Pioli’s future is on the line too, because only going to the final of the Europa League – and possibly even only winning it – would see him keep his job as the head coach for next season.
Otherwise, Milan are looking at yet another trophyless season which would not be acceptable after the Scudetto win of 2021-22.