Despite sealing a well-deserved 2-1 win at Fiorentina on Saturday to close the gap on Serie A pacesetters Inter, Milan will probably miss out on the Scudetto this term. Even if Simone Inzaghi’s side somehow drop points against minnows Empoli on Monday, an 11-point lead still looks unassailable.
Nonetheless, Milan can be proud of their form in 2024. Yesterday’s victory was their sixth in a row across all competitions, taking their points tally to 29 since the turn of the calendar year. Table-topping Inter have claimed 31 in the same timeframe, suggesting Stefano Pioli’s men are not far off their bitter rivals.
There’s a feeling that had it not been for a dip in form last October/November, Milan would’ve been going toe-to-toe with Nerazzurri in the Scudetto race. While a poor run of form in the first half of the season following a stunning streak of seven wins from the opening eight matches will force Rossoneri to settle for a runner-up finish, there’s no room for regrets.
Milan should focus on the next season after building an impressive team featuring high-performing young players. Much will depend on Rafael Leao’s future, but if the second half of the 2023/24 campaign is anything to go by, the 19-time Italian champions have every reason for optimism ahead of 2024/25.
If the hierarchy can fill some gaps at the back, Milan will have a fighting chance against Inter next season, provided they keep hold of Leao in the summer.
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