A lot was expected from the team following a season where AC Milan finished in a strong second position behind their eternal-rival and neighbour Inter. Ending the 2023-24 season as the runners-up was understandable as there was nothing anyone could do against the eventual champions.
The total point tally might have been close to enough for another title if it were any other season. Still, plenty of optimism was coming into the 2024-25 season for numerous reasons. The new format of the UEFA Champions League and a potential push for another league or cup title were enough for every fan of the club to be excited about this fall.
Sadly, reality came for us all as the team was again struggling. After a handful of games to start the season, both in Europe and domestically, Milan finds themselves in a rut with streak of unsure performances full of lost chances, easy goals allowed, and the feeling of missed opportunities to get all three points.
To make matters worse, red cards started to happen and some first-team lock-ins are now tied to the bench. What is going on and can the Rossoneri turn it around? In this article we talk about the season so far and what is to come in the month of October. Pay close attention as we also reveal the odds for all of you who enjoy betting on sports as you watch the games.
The performance so far
In seven Serie A matches played so far, AC Milan only has 11 points. They are behind Napoli (16), Inter (14), Juventus (13), Lazio (13), and Udinese (13). While the point margins are not that wide yet, it does not seem like they can climb the ranks at this stage of the season considering their current form and how they look on the pitch.
Their goal difference is 6 with 15 scored and 6 allowed, which is not bad, but they only won three games, less than 50% so far. They have 2 draws and 2 losses, all four games that they could have won or at least have 4 draws.
In Europe, things are also looking bleak so far. First, Milan lost at home to Liverpool 1-3. While the English club is playing much better football right now, the score and the general feel of the game are not a true representative of the difference between the squads. That should have been a much closer game than it was.
Then in the second game, the Italian giant lost to Bayer Leverkusen 1-0. Another disappointing game where they could not find the net despite having the teams having the same number of shots (16). Only 5 of them were on target.
To make matters worse, the Fiorentina defeat has caused uncertainty and disbalance in the team, so much so that the management is looking at Paulo Fonseca as the man to blame. Other managers are slowly starting to be discussed without serious action taking place, for now.
Those with a say on the matters are already willing to give up on their current choice. Fonseca was visibly angry after the defeat and the team is reportedly near a nervous breakdown. The next three matches could decide Fonseca’s future with the club.
Upcoming schedule
Milan’s upcoming schedule is a mixture of relatively easy domestic league games and a pair of Champions League clashes. On October 19, they are playing at home against Udinese, the team just in front of them in fifth place. They have a two-point cushion and it would be the perfect scenario to win at home and take over the spot. Bettors should be ready and waiting for a strong showing with a lot riding on this potential win.
Three days later on October 22, the team is hosting the Belgian side Club Brugge FC in the 3rd UCL matchday. Again, this is a prime opportunity to get back on track in the competition against a relatively weaker club.
They did win their previous UCL game, beating SK Sturm Graz 0-1 away, after losing to Dortmund 0-3 at home, meaning they have 3 points to Milan’s 0. This game is another good chance for the punters to win big as the Italians have to go all in and win their first European game of the season.
On October 26 and 29, they are plating Bologna away and Napoli at home, respectively. The Bologna game is another must-win as the team is currently in 13th place with only 8 points with only 1 win. The Napoli game will be a great matchup to test the form as they are the current leaders of the league.
In first place right now, they have 16 points, 5 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss. If Milan means business and truly wants to turn their season around while there is still time, they have to fight hard and win against the currently best team of the season.
Odds to know about
While it is still late for most of these games, the current odds do speak volumes about the team’s chances in their few upcoming games. The online football bettors among you will appreciate knowing the odds well in advance so that you can have enough time to prepare your bets.
For the Udinese game, Milan has 1.4 odds to win while Udinese has 9. The draw right now is 5.3. For their October 22 Champions League game against Brugge, they are the favorites with odds of 1.53. The draw gives you 4.7 and the potential Belgian team’s win is 6.5.
In the Bologna game, Milan is again the favorite with 1.96 to Bologna’s 3.8. The draw bet sits at 3.75 right now, meaning there is basically the same chance of a draw and a Milanese team loss.
If you are feeling lucky and want to make a daring end of the season be, what about choosing the Serie A winner right now? If you believe in the Rossoneri, you should know that the odds of them winning it all are 17 right now, and therefore very appealing.
It is so high due to their lacklustre opening to the seasons across the board, but that can change quickly. However, the odds will also change and bettors who did not capitalise will end up scratching their heads.
The current favourite is Inter with 1.73, followed by Juventus and Napoli with 8 each. They are the surer bets right now, but that does not have to mean anything by the end of the 2024/25 season.
Ibrahimovic’s arrival sits well with fans
There is no denying the grandeur of one Zlatan Ibrahimovic, both on and off the field. Now that he is retired, there had to be a way for him to remain in football, right? He is too big (literally and figuratively) not to somehow be involved. And what better way than to get an important role with one of the teams he played best for?
Recently, the former striker landed an executive role with the Italian club. In his fashion, he claimed that he now owns the club and that others are working for him there. He is in good spirits regarding his newfound position and seems to have found his new calling.
For the current generation of players defending the red and black shirt, having a former great and one of the best strikers in history in management is a great honour. They look up to him, there is a ton they can learn from him, and he will surely not go easy on them.
Ibra knows most of them because he finished his career in Milan and played with most of the current squad. Therefore, he knows what needs work, whether or not the team needs to change personnel, and exactly what needs to happen if they are to win another title soon. His voice now matters in critical decisions and the other higher-ups will surely take his ideas into account.
In his latest move, ‘Ibracadabra’ has set his sights on an old acquaintance for Milan. Utilizing his advisor role, the Swedish star wants Victor Lindelof to be the priority for the Italian giant in the upcoming summer transfer market.
The Manchester United defender is tied to his contract until summer, after which he might join the side from San Siro. Ibrahimovic played with Lindelof at Man Utd and in the Swedish national team and has a strong bond with the current player.
His England days appear to be over as his role at Old Trafford seems to be decreasing. Ibrahimovic’s involvement is sure to sway the Swede over and bolster the Rossoneri defence.
In other news…
These are not all of the recent transfer news and potential targets for the San Siro team. There are speculations that the West Ham United defensive midfielder Edson Alvarez is now a target for Milan. He could depart the Hammers and head for Italy in the near future.
The Mexican would be a much-needed strengthening of the defence as Milan has struggled mightily in this area, especially since the Serbian addition Strahinja Pavlovic is inexplicably absent from the first team. Milan is looking to add the Mexican defensive stud with a player exchange, as opposed to a financial offer.
The player they are willing to send to West Ham is Ruben Loftus-Cheek who has experience in England. To make things even more likely to happen, Alvarez is not a favorite of Julen Lopetegui and his coaching staff.
On another positive note, Matteo Gabbia received his first call-up to Italy’s national team. His strong and convincing performances for Milan, despite the team’s rough start, earned him this honor which he is so happy to fulfil in the upcoming national duty window.
He claims he did not expect the call-up at all, but did hope for it. Now he will wear the national team shirt with pride and do the best he can to not only showcase his skill but also represent his current club, who he is set to sign a renewal with.
Their next opponent in the Nations League is Belgium, a tough matchup at home, followed by another showcase at home versus Israel on Monday, October 14. These two chances are a great opportunity for the Gabbia to earn another call-up and continue his hopefully long tenure with the Italian team.
In our final news for this article, we reveal the dates for the Final Four of the Italian Supercup. It will take place in January of 2025 and take place in Saudi Arabia, the place where football has really taken off in recent years.
The Supercup games will feature Inter, the league champions, Juventus, the Coppa Italia holders, Milan, the runners-up of the league, and Atalanta, the Coppa Italia finalists. First off, we have the first semifinal game, Inter versus Atalanta on Thursday, January 2, 2025.
Right now, Atalanta leads the Serie A season with Inter in second place. It is bound to be a great game. In the second semifinal, it is Milan and Juventus on Friday, January 3. The final game, hopefully featuring AC Milan, is set for Monday, January 6.
While not the clear-cut favourite, Milan has its chance especially if they manage to get out of the rut they find themselves in right now and get in form to finish the calendar year. It can be argued that all three teams would fare far better if the tournament were to start now, but it does not.
There are three months of highly competitive football between now and then and the Supercup will be for anyone’s taking. It remains to be seen if any of the teams will suffer untimely card restrictions or injuries, as well as if there will be any personnel changes.
Everyone wants that early hardware, the first trophy of the season, after which Serie A, the cup and the European competitions come much easier. One thing is certain: fans of sports betting who enjoy wagering online will have their work cut out for them when balancing the odds and picking their favorites!