AC Milan’s 2021-22 Serie A title was supposed to significantly change the club’s fortunes. However, the club has steadily declined performances since that title win.
The Rossoneri 2021-22 Serie A title win marked the 19th time the Milan-based outfit secured Italy’s premier football competition. It was also their first league triumph in over a decade.
This success reignited optimism among Rossoneri fans, fueling hopes of a return to their glory days. However, Milan has struggled to maintain that momentum, finishing 4th and 3rd in the following two seasons.
Their 2024/25 league campaign has brought an even steeper decline, with the team currently sitting 7th after 25 Serie A games. Milan’s European hopes were also dashed early, as they exited the UEFA Champions League in the play-off round following a 2-1 aggregate defeat to Feyenoord. Now, the seven-time UCL champions must focus on securing a respectable league finish.
Milan has consistently finished in the top four for the past four seasons. However, their inconsistent performances in the first half of this campaign have cast doubt on their ability to extend that streak.
Can AC Milan once again make the cut among Italy’s footballing elite? Football expert Tim Harrison considers key factors that could influence their chances of claiming a crucial Champions League berth.
Factors that could influence top four changes
Tactical approach and managerial influence
Milan fired Paulo Fonseca in December, just six months into his tenure. His dismissal followed a string of poor results that left the club struggling in the Serie A. Sergio Conceição was appointed to steady the ship. His appointment immediately raised Milan’s chances to end the season within the top four, especially after their Italian SuperCup triumph in January 2025.
Under his leadership, Milan has won eight matches, drawn three, and lost three across all competitions. Conceição prefers a 4-3-2-1 formation, instilling an aggressive, fast-paced mentality in his squad and implementing a controlled possession style with rapid counterattacks.
His managerial success at Porto showcases what he could bring to Milan in the long run. During his tenure, Porto secured 11 major trophies. His tenacity and tactical discipline could be crucial in Milan’s pursuit of another top-four finish.
The Portuguese will benefit from the inside knowledge of the club legend, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, now a senior advisor to Milan’s management. His role is to improve the team’s winning mentality and achieve their objectives.
Milan’s current squad strength and winter transfer activity
So far, Pulisic, Leao, and Reijnders have been standout performers as the trio led this team in many goals and assists. Their attacking contributions will be key to Milan’s push for a top-four finish. Additionally, the Rossoneri made major squad changes in January, signing seven players while offloading seven.
The biggest acquisition was Santiago Giménez, a prolific striker from Feyenoord signed for €32m. Milan also secured loan deals from the Premier League for Joao Félix and Kyle Walker. Some notable departures are Morata, Bennacer, and Noah Okafor.
These squad rebuilds provide depth for Milan, but it remains unclear how these signings affect team performance in both the short and long terms.
Competition from Serie A rivals
AC Milan faces stiff competition in its bid for a Champions League spot, with Juventus, Lazio, and Fiorentina currently ahead of them in the league standings. If we compare the odds of different bookmakers before and after the appointment of Sergio Conceição, his experience and leadership increased the team’s chances of securing a top-four finish.
Currently, they trail fourth-placed Juventus by eight points but have a game in hand, which boosts their chances of closing the gap. To secure a top-four finish, Milan must maximize points in their remaining fixtures while hoping Juventus drops points against other opponents. Fortunately, their squad depth provides the firepower needed to maintain consistency in the season’s final stretch.
Unlike some of their rivals, Milan blends experience with youthful energy, allowing them to thrive under pressure. With their home advantage in key games, the Rossoneri are well-positioned to leapfrog their competitors. If they maintain their current momentum and take full advantage of these crucial fixtures, Milan has a strong chance of securing a top-four finish ahead of their rivals.
How can Betzillion help you benefit from all this?
BetZillion — a product of Spark Media Ltd. and a digital child of Sergio Collins — is a user-centric platform that provides insightful and credible information to bettors worldwide. According to the online betting sites ranked by BetZillion, Milan were favoured to finish in the top 4 before the season. Despite the probability of earning the UCL spot slightly dropped, BetZillion’s experts continue following Milan’s most interesting games and offering the most interesting bets.
It goes with the overall vision of the platform, concluded by Sergio: “Our goal is to support punters globally by offering precise bookmaker analyses, practical guides, and all the essential tools to thrive in sports betting.” That is why you’ll always benefit from using online betting sites ranked by BetZillion as your reliable helper, especially if you follow great football clubs like Milan and want to test your luck in betting on its matches.
Conclusion
Football remains unpredictable; anything can happen as the season enters its final phase. However, to get into the top four, AC Milan must be perfect as they play the rest of their games, and they have everything to accomplish this task. If their fellow top-four contenders save the same point-gaining tempo, the Rossoneri will clinch a Champions League spot at the end of this season.
