Massimo Oddo has once again stressed that Milan Futuro do not see winning Serie D as their aim, after another tough defeat.
There have been times this season when the Futuro have flirted with a push for top spot, though they have almost always been in a play-off position. Early in 2026 though their stuttering form continues, as they were beaten 1-0 by Virtus CiseranoBergamo on Sunday afternoon.
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The defeat means that Oddo’s team remains stuck on 35 points after 23 games in Group B of Serie D, dropping to seventh place in the standings and seeing Folgore Caratese – currently at the top of the table with 48 points – slip away perhaps for good.
So, it will be play-offs at best to try and get back into the third tie of Italian football. Yet, as Oddo said to MilanNews after the loss, the idea of getting promoted doesn’t seem to be at the forefront of their minds.
How do you assess the game?
“We definitely lacked a bit of luck in the details, then we conceded with our first shot on target, which is a shame. I evaluate the game overall, which was positive.
“We definitely need to improve our competitive spirit on the pitch, but we played good football today, and that’s what matters to us. We’re not here to win the league…”
Are there any young players ready for the first team?
“All these kids are potentially talented, but talent needs to be nurtured. At this age, you can’t tell who’s going to make it and who’s not. You have to offer advice and let everyone find their own path.”
I agree that the purpose of Futuro is not to fight for the promotion, but with a clear understanding that we are one step away from Amateur football. I have no idea what is the difference in quality between Serie C and D, but I imagine we want to play well against the better teams. Otherwise we will always prefer to send our promising younglings to Serie B teams on loan instead of keeping them in Futuro and preparing them for 1st team participation.
He’s right
Milan Futuro should be in Serie B at worst. This talk about not being there to win is bullocks for a team of very young players. They must aime to win. The more accustomed to playing to win instead of playing for fancy, the better their chances of getting into the main team or moving to other clubs.
A coach should NEVER say that we are here to play (participate) not to win. What kind of message that is to his team? These kids are being prepared to compete at the highest level. Unwavering determination to win will be everything in their path. That determination will drive them to work as hard as they can in training and that determination will give them strength during tough games. Oddo should teach that it’s not a shame to lose, it just tells that the team is not good enough to win – YET! Never ever send a message that we are here just to play.
The fall of Futuro started when Ibra hired Bonera when they could have renew with Abate ( he refused to promote Ibra’s son )all for nothing as his son left and Abate is doing ok 👌 as coach of Serie B team. Abate is better coach than Oddo as well. If Anate were coach of Futuro, Milan Futuro is playing at Serie C now