Latest news with #Milan
Yahoo
11 minutes ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Capello predicts mistakes Milan won't repeat under Allegri
Former Milan coach Fabio Capello feels the Rossoneri will be mentally stronger under Massimiliano Allegri, but insists the Diavoli must finish in the top four: 'Or it will be another failure.' Milan are on the verge of confirming Allegri's return to their bench after more than 11 years. Advertisement The Livorno-born tactician will be tasked with rebuilding a team that finished outside of a European placement last season. New Rossoneri director Igli Tare moved quickly to hire the ex-Juventus and Milan boss, who has already won six Serie A titles as a coach. ROME, ITALY – MAY 15: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of Juventus, lifts the Coppa Italia trophy after the team's victory during the Coppa Italia 2023/2024 Final match between Atalanta BC and Juventus FC at Olimpico Stadium on May 15, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by) 'It was crucial to send a clear signal to the entire environment after an extremely disappointing season. Milan can no longer afford mistakes, and they've started off on the right foot,' Capello wrote in his latest column for La Gazzetta dello Sport. Capello strongly believes that Allegri is the right man to take Milan back to the top and feels there are mistakes players won't repeat under their new manager. Advertisement 'I'm convinced that Tare played a key role in the decision to bet on Max, a coach with experience and personality. With Allegri on the bench, I expect to see the caprices of last season,' wrote Capello. Capello reveals Milan target under Allegri Massimiliano Allegri Juventus (Photo by ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP via Getty Images) 'Before discussing transfer and tactics, let's focus on the immediate impact Max can have on Milan. First of all, on mentality. Last season, we saw a team that did everything right for 20 minutes and then switched off. Everyone was enthusiastic about attacking, but few made the same efforts when it came to tracking back. It won't happen with Allegri, who has always created a cohesive environment and a team with a clear purpose and balance.' Advertisement Capello insisted that Milan should not sell Tijjani Reijnders, but 'surely, if the Dutchman leaves, he'll have to be adequately replaced. 'In my view – added Capello – Tare and Allegri should agree on technical choices, while CEO Giorgio Furlani must be responsible for approving or rejecting signings based on financial considerations.' Capello also has clear ideas on Milan's main target in 2025-26. 'I don't know how far they can go, but I know exactly where they must finish. In the top four, otherwise it will surely be another failure,' he concluded.
The Independent
29 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Born in the eighties: Inter Milan's veterans have final chance to write Champions League history
Without cancer, Francesco Acerbi once said, he would have retired years ago. Perhaps when he was 28, which would have meant his career ended in 2016. Instead, here he is in 2025, preparing for his second Champions League final, maybe forever going to be the last footballer born in the 1980s to play in one. Or one of the last, anyway, given that his Inter Milan teammates Yann Sommer, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Marko Arnautovic were also born when the Berlin Wall was still intact and Matteo Darmian before the 1990s arrived. Acerbi can capture the imagination, both with his personal narrative and as an emblem of a style of Italian defending which can feel timeless. The Inter Milan veteran, who has subdued Erling Haaland with his old-school man-marking, turned implausible goalscorer in the 93rd-minute of the semi-final second leg against Barcelona. It was a striker's finish from a man who spent a largely unglamorous career honing his trade of stopping strikers. The belated peak could come at 37 for the testicular cancer survivor. Acerbi is the second oldest scorer in Champions League knockout history, after only Ryan Giggs. At 23, however, he was still in Serie B. He spent many of his years of supposed prime at Sassuolo, dodging relegation then qualifying for Europe. It was the appointment of his Lazio manager Simone Inzaghi at Inter that took him to Milan. For Sommer, perhaps the man of the tie in the spectacular semi-final, the bulk of his prime came at Borussia Monchengladbach. Another who has excelled may wonder if chance played its part in his rise: Manuel Neuer broke a leg skiing, meaning Bayern Munich needed a goalkeeper. And then, when Neuer was nearing fitness again, Inter needed a replacement for Andre Onana. Sommer has proved the cut-price upgrade. Cosmopolitan as the multilingual Mkhitaryan is, his might have seemed a more conventional career trajectory. He went from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester United, scoring in a Europa League final win for them. Instead, his best days may be among his last. He scored in a Champions League semi-final in 2023; but for the most marginal of offsides, he would have done so again in 2025, away at Barcelona. Darmian was at Old Trafford with Mkhitaryan. When he left, approaching his 30th birthday, it was for £1.4m and to Parma; it could have been the prelude to a winding down and a forgettable descent into retirement. Yet Inter's capacity to pick up ageing and unfashionable players – sometimes, as also in Acerbi's case – first on loan meant he made it to San Siro. Then there is the oddity of Arnautovic's career. A Champions League winner with Inter in 2010, albeit when making only three appearances in the season and not even being on the bench for the final, his route back to the Nerazzurri took in Werder Bremen, Stoke, West Ham, Shanghai Port and Bologna. The player Jose Mourinho once said had the attitude of a child is now a footballing pensioner. For Inter's old guard, it could seem a last chance. The contingent of thirty-somethings also includes Hakan Calhanoglu, Piotr Zielinski, Mehdi Taremi, Joaquin Correa and Stefan de Vrij. Logically, the end is nigh for several of them, and perhaps the team, although the same may have been said in 2023, when Edin Dzeko started the final at 37. If Inter can regenerate with other old-timers, and their ages have helped them pick up a few bargains, there is a legitimate question about how long this side can challenge for. They were probably underestimated at the start of the season, the fixation on Real Madrid and Manchester City meaning the importance of Inter's defensive excellence and Inzaghi's tactical nous were overlooked. But opportunities to win the Champions League are limited. Inter can testify: last year seemed a fine one, when they landed in the weaker half of the draw, only to be knocked out by Atletico Madrid on penalties in the last 16. There is no guarantee they will be in the reckoning again next year, and not merely because of suggestions the Saudi Pro-League will tempt Inzaghi with a massive offer. There may be comparisons with other ageing groups: there was the sense Chelsea's chance had gone as John Terry, Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, Ashley Cole and Petr Cech moved into their thirties. They instead won it in 2012, when logic suggested they would not. When Carlo Ancelotti's already experienced AC Milan lost the 2005 final from 3-0 up, it seemed that Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Costacurta would never add to their sizeable collection of winners' medals. But they did, two years later, with a considerable contribution from an Inzaghi: Pippo, Simone's still more prolific brother, scored twice. Yet they could look at the last decade, at Atletico Madrid and Juventus teams who each reached two finals in three seasons in the 2010s. Neither won one and no crowning glory awaited them. Or their veterans may recall a final that some of the Paris Saint-Germain team may be too young to really remember. In 2010, Mourinho's elderly Inter made their experience an asset. They conquered Europe. And if decline soon followed, their last hurrah may offer inspiration to a group who were already professional footballers in their twenties then. Now they could be called the unlikely lads. More accurately, though, they are the unlikely old lags.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
AC Milan sack boss Sergio Conceicao as Italian giants let third manager in 12 months go - leaving the futures of FOUR England stars up in the air
AC Milan have sacked Sergio Conceicao, as per an official club statement. The Portuguese tactician took over from fellow countryman Paulo Fonseca at the end of December - with the club in eighth place. But after a lacklustre five months, Milan's league position did not budge under Conceicao. The former Porto boss becomes the third manager to leave the Italian heavyweights in 12 months. Despite being Serie A runners-up in 2023-24, former head coach Stefano Pioli departed at the end of the season. He was replaced by Fonseca, who was fired and usurped by Conceicao. During his time with the Rossoneri, Conceicao won 16 of his 30 games - a 53 per cent win rate. He also led the club to their 50th major trophy in its history, winning the Italian Super Cup against local rivals Inter Milan in January. An official club statement announcing Conceicao's departure read: 'AC Milan and Sergio Conceiçao will not continue their journey together next season. 'The Club would like to thank Sergio and his staff for their commitment, professionalism and dedication shown during their time leading the First Team over the past few months. 'The AC Milan family parts with the coach who won the 50th trophy in the Club's history, wishing him the best for the future.' With Conceicao leaving Milan, England stars Fikayo Tomori and Ruben Loftus-Cheek could follow their manager out the door. Mail Sport reported this week that Tottenham are targeting Tomori, and like him for his pace, mobility and tenacity. The centre back is seen as a cheaper alternative to their primary target - Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi. Meanwhile, reports in Italy have stated that Loftus-Cheek's future at Milan is up in the air, and has been since last summer. The former Chelsea midfield left London for Milan in 2023, with his contract running through June 2027. Conceicao's exit will also do little to boost any hopes of Kyle Walker remaining at Milan beyond this season. The defender joined the club on loan from Manchester City in January and, although his deal includes an option to buy of just £4.2million, multiple reports have claimed Milan do not want to sign him permanently. The 35-year-old featured 16 times in all competitions for the club and was included in Thomas Tuchel's inaugural England squad for the Three Lions' World Cup qualifiers in March. Fellow loanee Tammy Abraham is also expected to call time on his spell with the Rossoneri this summer.
New York Times
2 hours ago
- Business
- New York Times
Champions League final odds: How a win for PSG or Inter could shape their futures
For more stories like this, click here to follow The Athletic's sports betting section and have them added to your feed. Picture this: Inter have won the Champions League. Munich rocks, and with it, Milan. Simone Inzaghi's Nerazzurri have thwarted Paris Saint-Germain with old-school tactics and even older midfielders. Advertisement In an alternate universe, however, it's Marquinhos lifting the trophy, not Lautaro Martínez. Luis Enrique's merry band of wunderkind's lap the confetti-laden Allianz Arena. Ousmane Dembélé deservedly seals the Ballon d'Or. Of course, this is all just speculation. Whichever way the road forks, our writers have penned their thoughts on the betting permutations for each club should they claim Europe's highest honour this Saturday evening. Sam Tighe: If Paris Saint-Germain win this Champions League final, the first emotion felt might just be relief. This club's entire modern ethos has been built on winning this trophy, so for someone like Marquinhos, who has been trying (and failing) ever since 2013, the sweet taste of a job finally done might just buckle his knees. For other, younger, fresher faces to the project, a win would catapult their reputation into the stratosphere. PSG would be the making of them, whereas for those that walked this path before, it was arguably the breaking of them. It would cement Vitinha and João Neves' status as irrefutably elite central midfielders; it would complete Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's remarkable treble-winning season; it could elevate Nuno Mendes to the title of best left-back in the world; and, perhaps most intriguingly, it could secure Dembélé the Ballon d'Or. Lamine Yamal is the current favourite to win the trophy, thanks to some thrilling Champions League performances and an excellent, double-winning domestic campaign. But Dembélé is hot on his heels, and over the last few weeks has exchanged places with Yamal as favourite. The Frenchman's numbers this year have been gaudy. He's racked up 29 goals and 10 assists in Ligue 1 and Champions League play, plus four more goals in cup competitions. Much of that has come in 2025, creating a groundswell of support and appreciation for him — but there's one vital ingredient missing from his case. Like it or not, a big part of the Ballon d'Or credentials conversation is team success. PSG finally getting over the line in the Champions League is a powerful narrative, and with Dembélé at the centre of it, it might be enough for him to pip Yamal to the post. Brett Koremenos: An Inter win would send shockwaves through Europe — just not in the way you may think. Sure, if the Nerazzurri vanquish their French foes on Saturday they would become the first Italian side to win the Champions League since 2010. That's a big deal for the club, for Italy and Serie A as a whole. But, what it might really validate is Inter's approach to the sport. Advertisement The Nerazzurri won't have climbed to the mountain's summit because of bottomless funds or because they belong to the world's richest league. Inter have used modest talent acquisition while fanning the last embers of ageing veterans to consistently cobble together rosters that compete for trophies across Europe. Before surmising there is something in the water around Milan (which, I mean, have we investigated this?), perhaps the truth of the matter is Inter's way of doing things is just better. If they fortify that theory with a Champions League title, more teams will try to emulate their approach. And perhaps one major club already has. Under Arne Slot, Liverpool were one of the most aggressive, pressing teams in the Premier League. They won the league this season and are 11/5 favourites to win next year. The Reds have also just signed wing-back Jeremie Frimpong (possibly along with Florian Wirtz) to replace the out-going Trent Alexander-Arnold. Slot's tactics this past season didn't include a back three, and Frimpong doesn't replicate most of Alexander-Arnold's primary skills. So, what's going on? Something is changing in Liverpool. I'm putting on my tinfoil hat and saying this feels related to Inter's success. It's not hard to imagine a team with the intense pressing style of Liverpool (also looking at you, Barcelona) falling off under the immense load of games players have to endure season after season. Despite Marcelo Bielsa's wishes, these players are human and do wear down. Inter's approach, however, makes them far less vulnerable to such a drop-off. The Nerazzurri have good players, but their back three system, which Antonio Conte passed on to Simone Inzaghi, can throttle the aggression up or down. Hansi Flick at Barcelona is not taking his foot off the gas pedal. And the roles within the formation have also meant that there isn't a single player on the roster that is irreplaceable. But could you imagine what would happen to Liverpool's attack without Mohamed Salah? As long as Inzaghi stays or a new replacement keeps the system alive, I have no doubts Inter will be a factor in the 2025-26 Champions League while also a firm favourite for the Scudetto next season. Advertisement A club like Liverpool, on the other hand, is harder to peg. If my crazy theory is right and Liverpool have signed Frimpong as a nod to Inter's more passive, plug-and-play back three system, give me those 11/5 odds all day. If not, then the best bet is that we will once again be talking about the Nerazzurri's impressive success next season. It's been a blockbuster week of Champions League betting content from our team. Pour through everything we published: Betting/odds links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic. Restrictions may apply. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.
The Hindu
2 hours ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
AC Milan fires Conceicao, Allegri reportedly set to return as coach
AC Milan fired Sergio Conceicao as expected on Thursday following a disappointing season that saw the Rossoneri fail to qualify for Europe. The seven-time European champion has reportedly reached an agreement with Massimiliano Allegri to return as coach. Milan finished eighth in Serie A, 19 points behind Italian champion Napoli. 'The club would like to thank Sergio and his staff for their commitment, professionalism and dedication shown during their time leading the first team over the past few months,' Milan said in a statement. Conceicao replaced the fired Paulo Fonseca in December with an 18-month contract and promptly guided Milan to the Italian Super Cup title in Saudi Arabia during his first matches in charge. But Milan was eliminated by Feyenoord in the Champions League playoffs in February then got beat by Bologna in the Italian Cup final this month. Meanwhile, city rival Inter Milan will play Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final Saturday. Allegri coached Milan to the Serie A title in 2011.
