A day not to waste
Today is one of those Sundays the calendar rarely offers: AC Milan have a genuine and precious opportunity to make a decisive jump up the standings. Napoli lost at home to Lazio and remain stuck on 66 points, Como were beaten, Roma drew. Milan, sitting on 63 points, could level with Antonio Conte’s side in second place with a win at Verona — a result that just days ago seemed difficult to picture happening so quickly.
Moreover, a victory would put the Rossoneri eight points clear of fifth place, currently held by Como and Roma on 58 points, significantly strengthening their grip on Champions League qualification. The gap would widen at exactly the right moment of the season.
The taboo of missed chances: this time must be different
There is a page to rewrite — the one about opportunities not taken. In the past, most notably when Inter dropped points against Atalanta and Milan failed to capitalise in their match against Lazio, the Rossoneri couldn’t make the most of their rivals’ stumbles. It was a bad habit that cost them dearly. This time, however, the opponents are Verona, rock-bottom on 18 points alongside Pisa, with Serie B already looming on the horizon. There are no alibis, no excuses: three points is the only acceptable outcome.
As manager Massimiliano Allegri himself underlined, the priority right now is securing Champions League qualification — the season’s primary goal — and only then will attention turn to planning for next season.
Probable line-up: Leão confirmed, Gabbia returns to the starting XI
At his pre-match press conference, Allegri reaffirmed his faith in Rafael Leão, despite the whistles the Portuguese winger received at San Siro when he was substituted against Udinese. The manager called those jeers «deserved», but also suggested they could help the player grow. Leão tends to rest on his laurels and needs constant stimulation to perform at his best. Allegri believes the episode may have served as a wake-up call, which is why the winger will start today.
Alongside him will be Christian Pulisic: the American hasn’t scored in Serie A since 28 December — his last goal coming precisely against Verona — while Leão hasn’t netted since the match against Cremonese on 1 March. Both have unfinished business, and today could be the day they settle the score.
In midfield, the trio of Youssouf Fofana, Luka Modrić and Adrien Rabiot is confirmed. On the flanks, Davide Bartesaghi will operate on the left, while the right side could see an alternative to Alexis Saelemaekers, who appears to be going through a dip in form and fitness.
In defence, the key news is the return of Matteo Gabbia, who reclaims his spot in the back three alongside Fikayo Tomori and Strahinja Pavlović. Mike Maignan is, of course, between the posts. Allegri has a fully fit squad to choose from, with options off the bench including Santiago Giménez and Christopher Nkunku.
The Champions League race: every point is gold
With the Scudetto heading across town to the blue-and-black side of Milan, the Rossoneri have one clear and concrete goal: securing their Champions League place. Every point from here until the end of the season carries enormous weight. Winning today would not only bring them closer to second place but also send a powerful message to all their rivals heading into the final rounds of Serie A. Milan have the quality to get there — what’s needed now is that consistency which has, at times, been elusive this season.
