The Euro 2024 is now just two weeks away and eight AC Milan players are gearing up for the big tournament. So, as a Milanista, what do you need to know? Let’s take a look at the players in question and their situations.
The tournament is arguably one of the biggest in the world of football and many good teams will be battling out this year. A total of eight Milan players are ‘qualified’ for the action and will be looking for glory, though some have a better chance than others.
Olivier Giroud – France
It was an emotional goodbye at San Siro, scoring in front of the fans, but Giroud is now fully focused on his last tournament with the French national team. Indeed, still the top goalscorer at 57 goals, he will be looking to end his international career with a trophy.
Deschamps has always been a big fan of Giroud and the veteran should thus get decent playing time. Then again, he’s competing against the likes of Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani, so his presence cannot always be guaranteed.
Theo Hernandez – France
There is little doubt about the fact that Hernandez is one of the best, if not the best, left-back in the world and he plays a crucial role for France as well. He tends to be a bit more defensive under the guidance of Deschamps, but he still managed good output during the World Cup.
The goal against Roma certainly confirmed that he will arrive in the France camp in a good mood, which hopefully will translate into good performances on the pitch. In any case, he will indeed be an important player for his nation.
Mike Maignan – France
The Milan goalkeeper struggled with injuries at the end of this season but has now recovered and will be at Didier Deschamps’s disposal. After missing out on the World Cup due to injuries, he will certainly be eager to prove himself and shine for his nation.
He’s expected to be the starter, even if he’s had some ups and downs this season, and Milan will be watching on closely as good performances could spark interest on the mercato.
France’s group
Simon Kjaer – Denmark
He didn’t play much for Milan this season, more or less solely due to injuries, but he’s still the captain of Denmark and will be looking to make an impact. He just about managed to recover from his most recent injury ahead of the season finale, so the feeling is that he will be ready.
It could also be the last tournament for Kjaer with the Danish national team, so this is an opportunity for him to go out in style.
Denmark’s group
Tijjani Reijnders – The Netherlands
He made his debut for the Dutch national team in September last year and has gone from strength to strength since. In fact, he featured in every single game after his debut and even managed to find the back of the net with a screamer in the game against Scotland.
The feeling is that Ronald Koeman will rely on the Milan man from start and rightfully so, given that he has been in very good form as of late. It will also be Tijjani’s first big tournament with the national team so it’s bound to be a special one.
The Netherland’s group
Rafael Leao – Portugal
In line with his growth at Milan, the winger has become increasingly important for Portugal and recently showed off his qualities in a friendly against Sweden. The relatively new manager Roberto Martinez has also placed a lot of faith in him, which is nice to see.
It remains to be seen if he will be a consistent starter, with several good players up front for Portugal, but he will certainly get decent playing time.
Portugal’s group
Luka Jovic – Serbia
There is no doubt that the striker is coming off a positive season, even if it slowed down towards the end, and the call-up is deserved. The competition is quite fierce up front, though, so the manager Dragan Stojkovic will likely rely on the Milan man off the bench.
If there’s anything the former Real Madrid have has shown this season, it’s that he can make a difference off the bench. So he might just be the perfect deputy for Serbia after all, potentially facing Simon Kjaer in the process.
Serbia’s group
Noah Okafor – Switzerland
Finally, another super-sub in Milan’s No.17 will be looking to play a crucial role for Switzerland. He’s the obvious man to start up front and the manager, Murat Yakin, has relied on his services in most games as of late.
However, as we have seen at Milan, the former RB Salzburg man needs to increase his goal tally when playing from start. Switzerland certainly don’t have the toughest group on paper but there is still no room for error.
Switzerland’s group
If there are gamblers here, you should go all in betting on two red cards during France Netherlands since Théo and Dumfries will meet again haha
Hmmmm 🤔
Not a bad punt tbh. I actually bet a red card for the last derby and won some change 😅
If that actually happens, we are in for a fun game to watch, that’s for sure.
Kjaer will no longer be a Milan player and maybe neither Jovic if we don’t renew by then
Neither is Giroud.
In fact, Maignan and Theo is under some serious appreciation by many clubs and if they end the tournament strongly they can attract offers.
But the main thing is, they were getting called up when they still play with us.
Sad to see no Italians…
100%
The difference between us, inter and Juve. They are building their squads with Italians who grew up dreaming of playing for these clubs, not foreigners who are using us as a stepping stone.
It’s why selling Tonali was the biggest single factor in our poor midfield this year. No one has the heart that he had for the Milan guernsey.
We need to go back to having an Italian core complimented with foreigners.
Maybe if we continue to give Gabbia playing time he will be among them in 2028, so there will be an Italian here. Which would be nice
Maybe if we continue to give Gabbia playing time he will be among them in 2028, so there will be an Italian here. Which would be nice