The most important night of AC Milan’s season has arrived, and they are hoping for a miracle to reach the Champions League round of 16.
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Tuttosport (via MilanNews) writes how fate is not only in the hands of Milan, who must beat Newcastle at all costs but must also hope for Borussia Dortmund to win at home against Paris Saint-Germain.
Milan are at a crossroads: to stay in Europe they must win at St. James’ Park (with a win against the Premier League side they would be certain of at least a place in the Europa League), otherwise they will be out entirely and at that point Stefano Pioli’s position could also come back into question.
Despite the coach having been confirmed on several occasions in recent months by the owners, reflections would be forced. It remains true that Milan do not want to change coaches mid-season and are aiming to get through at least until the end of the season with Pioli, but a bad defeat tonight could change everything.
The Rossoneri management and owners are therefore hoping for a positive result, also because staying in Europe – especially in the Champions League – would be very important not only from a sporting point of view, but also from an economic point of view.
Getting to the round of 16 would then allow Milan to still hope to qualify for the 2025 Club World Cup, a 32-team tournament that will be played in the USA and which would bring at least another €50m.
