AC Milan will face Red Bull Salzburg tonight at San Siro knowing a win or a draw will see them into the last 16 of the Champions League, and it is worth more than just the sporting achievement.
This morning’s edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport (via MilanNews) highlights the numerous reasons why it is crucial for Milan to reach the knockout stages. The most important are those concerning the growth aspect of the club both in terms of brand exposure and also the money it brings.
New owner Gerry Cardinale spoke a few weeks ago about awakening ‘the sleeping giant’ and this can almost only be done through results on the field and by bringing Milan back to compete in Europe, as that is what the Rossoneri have been for a long time and as an absolute protagonist in the past.
Reaching the final 16 would be a further step in the project started by Elliott Management and the one that RedBird want to continue with, and playing knockout football in the top club competition in Europe would be even more experience for all the young talents at the club.
In addition to all this – and it is certainly one of the most important aspects – Milan are aiming for the €20m prize that the passage to the second round guarantees.
Milan’s return to the Champions League was crucial precisely to try to establish a virtuous circle that sees results generate more money to be invested in the squad for better results.
Such a sizeable economic bonus could be fundamental for Milan who are trying to find an agreement for the renewal of Rafael Leao (and not only him) so the revenues would be a concrete help in this sense.
In addition, the emotional impact of reaching the knockouts after nine years without would guarantee Milan a positive wave to be exploited also for the rest of the season, in particular in the pursuit of a second star in the league.
Finally, Zlatan Ibrahimovic will of course be hoping his team-mates make it through (as well as the other players out until 2023) as it would allow him to participate once back from injury.
