AC Milan will face off against Juventus on Sunday night in a game that has Champions League implications, just as the same fixture did 20 years ago.
MilanNews writes how there was a very sombre mood a week ago after the elimination from the Champions League by Inter that followed a 2-0 defeat against Spezia in the league, but now things are looking more positive.
Saturday saw a return to winning ways in emphatic style with a 5-1 victory over Sampdoria at San Siro, which demonstrated all the pride and the reactionary forces of the Rossoneri, then Juve had 10 points deducted yesterday minutes before their 4-1 loss against Empoli.
Milan have not had the best Scudetto defence. There have been some very dark moments and some tough stretches of form, with some joy scattered here and there, yet there is the opportunity to finish in a positive way.
Everybody at the club knows how important a continued presence in the Champions League is if the project is to retain full health moving forward, because of the boost to sporting image and finances it provides.
“If we were to qualify for the next Champions League, it would be a fantastic season. Our path is growing, we have a young squad with players with long contracts. We have to take a higher step to go and compete against everyone. Fourth place is the most important thing at the moment and it also determines our future,” Maldini said after the Inter loss.
It has also become a more achievable goal due to the 10-point deduction inflicted on Juventus for the capital gains case and their defeat last night, which significantly helps Milan towards the race for fourth place.
A win against Max Allegri’s team on Sunday at the Allianz Stadium would seal a Champions League return, exactly 20 years to the day since that Old Trafford final.
