The Case of Boban vs. Gazidis

As promised, because Boban is nothing if not a man of his word, he sued the club for wrongful termination, and he won the first round. His cause is not about money, but rather accountability and integrity. Yesterday, a court awarded him damages of €5.375 million. Meanwhile, Gazidis, being the lawyer that he is, is appealing the decision, and still claims he had "just cause" to fire the Milan legend for ratting out his absurd courting of Ralf Rangnick. That is simply round one in the case of Boban vs. Gazidis.

Integrity vs. incompetence

Podcast: Ciao 2020

After ending the year on a stoppage time header to go out with a big win, it was time to review the recent matches and form and talk about everything Milan to wrap up an amazing year. Jesús and I took a break from the holiday festivities to catch up on the end of 2020 for Milan, as well as indulge in a little bit of Schadenfreude at the expense of Inter and Juventus.

What. A. Year.

The Year That Might Have Been

In most situations, I do not think it is fair to look back and try to think about what might have been. However, sometimes, when there were errors made that were so egregious that they were borderline criminal, it is interesting to look back and try to piece together an alternate reality. A reality where an entire team and organization, as well as millions of fans worldwide, were not impacted by someone's incompetence and poor decisions. One that puts a club closer to fiscal responsibility rather than deeper in the red and more likely to face penalties. I think, therefore, that it is fair to ask questions about Gazidis' decisions and wonder about the year that might have been.

More than a rift in a fairy tale

A Christmas Like No Other

After being slaughtered by Atalanta three days before Christmas last year, no Milanista could have believed that this Christmas, we would be where we are now. However, no one in the world could have dreamed last Christmas that this year, we would be socially distancing, wearing masks, and staying away from family to show them that we love them, either. All the way around, this Christmas is a Christmas like no other.

One goal up, two opponents down. Merry Christmas.

Milan 3, Lazio 2: Ecstasy

Sometimes, words are just not enough. In a match where Milan were decimated by injuries, Lazio dominated possession, and had two more shots on goal, we still won. In the most spectacular way. Top of the table. Undefeated in the league since March. A record run of scoring two or more goals in every match. The records go on and on. But the records have nothing on the emotions fans felt when Theo Hernandez scored the winning goal. The only word that comes close to describing it is ecstasy.

Ecstasy

Milan-Lazio Preview: Not for the Faint of Heart

After two disappointing draws, Milan took down Sassuolo on Sunday as if they were at full strength, despite missing so many players. Now, with a suspended starter, two more potential starters likely to miss this one, and no one returning from injury, they have to repeat that level of performance against a Lazio side that certainly has more players who are fit. It will be a battle, one that is not for the faint of heart.

Need a Christmas miracle

Sassuolo 1, Milan 2: Instant Gratification

In all honesty, I was dreading waking up for this six o'clock in the morning game here. After the last two performances, with injuries piling up like Juve & Inter penalties, I was sure this was going to be the match that we broke our streak. But Leao was not going to let me be disappointed. Just 6.2 seconds in, he scored the fastest goal in Serie A history. And that was just the beginning. Milan controlled much of the match, and only conceded one goal, near the end. Instead of being left disappointed, we got instant gratification.

Defying all odds, even time itself

Sassuolo-Milan Preview: The Strength of the Spirit

J.R.R. Tolkien wisely wrote, "It is not the strength of the body, but the strength of the spirit." Never before have Milan needed this to be more true than now. With so many bodies missing to injury, the strength of the spirit of this squad is at the heart of our hope. Like so many of Tolkien's characters, who faced great adversity and tasks that were much larger than they, this squad must carry the team now through at least the next two matches with out our Viking forward and Viking defender, who are both injured. Battle weary, and struggling for a lack of reinforcements, the test of this match will be the strength of the spirit.

One glimmer of hope

Genoa 2, Milan 2: Running on Fumes

The pressure on this young team is growing the more results they find. Combine that with the fact that some of our most important and experienced starters are being taken from us, one by one, to injury, and you have a recipe for disaster. Which is basically what this game was, a disaster. You know it was a poor performance when someone like Destro scores a brace on you. Sure, Milan fought back to keep a point, but clearly, mentally and physically, this team is running on fumes.

Even the celebrations were subdued

Genoa-Milan Preview: Return of the King

Milan's mentality saw them hold out for a 2-2 draw on Sunday to Parma, but that match also saw two more important players incur injuries. Milan are now the only team in Europe to remain unbeaten in their league since the return of football this summer. While it almost feels too good to be true, it also feels deserved and truly amazing – a streak we don't want to break. Yet here we are, plagued with injuries, weary from playing in the Europa League, and heading to the Marassi to face a relegation zone team, the most dangerous of circumstances. Gratefully, Ibrahimovic is set to make his glorious return. And while he may not be 100% match fit or play all 90 minutes, it is definitely going to feel like the Return of the King.

Sorry, Viggo, but Ibrahimovic wears it better

Milan 2, Parma 2: Never Say Die

In the classic movie, "The Goonies," a group of young kids fight to save their homes from a property development company. Along the way, they have to overcome many challenges, but one of the most famous quotes from the movie comes from Mikey, who rallies the troops with the line "Goonies never say die!" Much like those young kids, our young Milan team have been tasked to save Milan's honor and return it to glory. One of the obstacles they faced today was the woodwork, with Milan hitting it four times in a single match. Another was injuries. Already missing two important players, we saw two more starters go out with potentially serious injuries during this match. But, just like the young heroes in the movie, Milan players never say die.

Not today, Fratelli... er... fratello

Podcast: The Golden Age of Serie A

As things are improving so quickly at the club, we often speak of the glory days of Milan. But my guest this time not only lived through some of the best of those years, he worked on a television show in England that covered Serie A for ten years on Channel 4. Now he's written a book, Golazzo: The Football Italia Years, which covers the amazing football from those years chronologically. Jonathan Grade was kind enough to join me and reminisce about the Golden Age of Serie A.

The ideal Christmas gift

Milan-Parma Preview: Securing the Fortress

Returning from Prague with a win and topping our Europa League group, Milan don't have time to celebrate or even rest. On Sunday evening, we face Parma at the San Siro. The guys have said that they want to win every match, and yet this is exactly the type of match that could catch them off guard. Even without fans, we need to make teams fear coming to the San Siro. A strong performance in this match would be another step towards securing the fortress.

Returning to the ranks

AC Sparta Prague 0, AC Milan 1: The Bench

This match terrified me. There wasn't much to play for, although it turns out the win gave us top spot in our qualifying thanks to Lille's loss to Celtic. But the starting lineup featured no regular starters and so very much youth. I was concerned about this team giving away a loss, and about potential injuries that might leave us stranded, while several key starters were left at home, as well as a number of injuries. A loss at this point in the season could have really impacted mentality, and I was worried. I should have taken my own advice and trusted in Pioli, though. He knew these backup players were mentally prepared. His secret weapon was the bench.

Even our bench knows how to win

Europa League • AC Sparta Prague-AC Milan Preview: For Football

Going to Prague on Thursday, Milan have already qualified for the next round, and Sparta Prague are mathematically eliminated. If Lille lose or draw to Celtic and Milan win, then we could change our position in the group, but that is about all there is to play for. Well, that, and football. Milan players have said that the main objective is to win every match, and the side effect of that has been some pretty good football, too. So I hope that both Sparta Prague and Milan are willing to play for the fans, and if nothing else, for football.

For football

Sampdoria 1, Milan 2: Coach Combat

This fierce match was a battle of two teams, one flying high, and one struggling and slipping down the table. It was a battle of youth and experience, and a very physical battle, too. Milan were fighting to keep their Serie A unbeaten streak alive, despite tired legs, and Sampdoria were hoping to get back to winning ways, no matter how many points separated the two teams going into this match. But there was one other aspect to this match: Ranieri is Pioli's former coach, and Ranieri has never managed to best his student. This one was also about coach combat.

Two coaches enter their technical areas, but only one comes away with 3 points

Sampdoria-Milan Preview: To the Marassi

Milan are still undefeated in Serie A, top of the table, but anything can happen in 90 minutes of football. We also have three important players out with injuries, and tired legs from playing on Thursday. Fans and players and even Maldini are daring to talk about the Scudetto this year, but the season is young and it must be won three points at a time. Even without fans, the Marassi is a stadium that is imposing and intimidating to traveling teams. So Milan head, confident but focused, to the Marassi.

Hardworking but humble

Podcast: Scudetto Talk

When people outside of Italy notice an improvement in Milan, it must be serious. From Maldini to the media to the dreams of Milan fans worldwide, there is a buzz around the idea of Milan actually winning the Scudetto this year... maybe. Rui and I reviewed recent matches, caught up with all things Milan, and gave our opinions on all of that Scudetto talk.

Ready to win

Milan 4, Celtic 2: The Comeback Kids

This match was a very important match to our qualifying for the Round of 32 in the Europa League. Ahead of the match, we knew we needed to close the deal on Celtic. However, we got off to one of the worst starts of our season, going two goals and a Viking defender down in the first 13 minutes. That start also breathed life into a Celtic side who has not been in form lately, and things did not look good for Milan. But with over 75 minutes left, this young Milan team, aided by the return of Pioli and the support of Ibrahimovic from the bench, came back to ensure that we qualified for the next round with one matchday left. That is why Milan are The Comeback Kids.

Unstoppable, even in the face of adversity

Europa League • AC Milan-Celtic Preview: Closing the Deal

Meeting Celtic again appeals to my singular favorite transfer rumor of the year: it was reported that Celtic adore Laxalt and want to buy him from Milan, and that deal could help us buy a player from Celtic that we have been wanting, Norway's Kristoffer Ajer. I don't care how ridiculous this rumor sounds, I'm clinging to it. Not just for the fact that Ajer is five years younger, 8" (20 cm.) taller, and more talented than Laxalt has ever been, but that we could finally lose the dead weight and the braids from our roster, too. Win-win-win and keep on winning. Back to reality, though, on Thursday, we face the braids one (hopefully) last time in a match that we need the three points to ensure that we progress to the next round. This match is all about closing the deal.

Let's just say goodbye to the braids, please

Poll: Favorite Current Milan Player

This year, Milan have so many different players who are exciting for different reasons. Great goal scorers, playmakers, defenders, and a world class goalkeeper make it hard to choose a favorite. We all have our favorite player, or perhaps players, but which player is the most popular? 

Sorry, Bonera, you're a coach now

Milan 2, Fiorentina 0: Belief

Another match without Pioli or Ibrahimovic, another win. Well, actually, Ibrahimovic was there on the bench, and it showed. The players heard him screaming at them and looked over to the bench from time to time in the same way they typically look at him on the pitch for approval. Despite the fact that Bonera's coaching leaves almost as much to be desired as his fashion choices, there is a confidence amongst this squad that is undeniable. Even with the pressure of being five points ahead of everyone else on the top of the table, the more the word "Scudetto" gets thrown around, the more there is a solid belief.

Three more points toward the ultimate goal

Milan-Fiorentina Preview: No Time for Complacency

After a tough draw against Lille on Thursday in the Europa League, Milan host 15th place Fiorentina in the early evening game on Sunday. With no word yet on a COVID negative test for Pioli or his assistant Murelli, Daniele "Puffy Vest" Bonera will likely take charge of his third match as a coach. With Ibrahimovic out with injury, this young Milan face a side desperate for a win. Therefore, it is no time for complacency.

No time for complacency

Lille OSC 1, AC Milan 1: The Tryptophan Effect

This match was meant to be a test of this young squad, particularly with Ibrahimovic injured. The result was definitely not what we wanted, but the performance left something to the imagination, too. Milan scored with their singular shot on target, and the presence of everyone who was missing was felt today. Also, those kits. We have struggled in every game we have worn them. If you look like you have a rash, you're just not going to play as well. Perhaps it was just because of all of the turkey ingested in the United States today for Thanksgiving, but the performance was a little too subdued, maybe it was the tryptophan effect.

Grateful for good service

Europa League: Lille OSC-AC Milan Preview: Burden of Proof

Ahead of the international break, Milan were handed their first loss since March, a painful one to Lille in the Europa League. Ibrahimovic willed a draw in the league a few days later, but now he is injured. On Sunday, Milan convinced many of the doubters with a 3-1 win over Napoli, but Thursday comes the real test. After we lost 3-0 to Lille, it falls upon us to prove to ourselves that we can dominate in Europe as well as the league. Living up to that expectation is our burden of proof.

Time to prove ourselves without him

Podcast: The Convincibles

Everyone has been talking about how Milan had not been tested, but against Napoli, apparently we passed the test. In addition to all things Milan this week, Jesús and I discussed the amazing win and how great the football was. Still undefeated for 20 league matches straight now, Milan are now The Convincibles™.

Convincing

Napoli 1, Milan 3: Clash of the Titans

This match had everything: epic goals, epic saves, serious injuries, a red card, yellow cards, and more. It was one of the most intense Milan matches in recent memory, and also one of the most rewarding ones. It is also difficult to face beloved exes, and this one had Petagna, Bakayoko, and of course, Gattuso who had all formerly played for Milan. But at the end of the game, we won in beautiful fashion. Three points, maintaining our top of the table spot, keeping our unbeaten streak in the league alive against a very worthy oponnent, and winning, despite missing Pioli and five other staff members due to COVID-19 positive tests. But above all else, it featured three former teammates and Milan Titans from the last Scudetto-winning side at Milan: Gattuso, Bonera, and Ibrahimovic. It truly was a clash of the Titans.

Current mood

Napoli-Milan Preview: Time for Big Game Bonera

This was set to be a big matchup from the moment the Serie A schedule was drawn this summer. However, it turns out that it may be even bigger than we anticipated. Napoli were awarded a loss and docked a point for protecting the people of Turin and specifically Juventus from exposure to a COVID outbreak they faced the week prior to the game that wasn't played. Which means that had they been able to play that game and won, they would be going into this match at the top of the table instead of Milan. However, even that story is overshadowed by current cases of positive tests for COVID in both squads, including Milan's manager and assistant manager. Which means it's time for Big Game Bonera™.

Is the legend ready for the big time?

Growing Pains? Or Signs of Trouble?

Because so many people look at results only, Milan's loss against Lille in the Europa League and subsequent draw against Verona may have raised questions about Milan's previously unstoppable mentality. But there are other question marks, too, such as players who had amazing form all summer dropping in form now. Plus, our captain conceded two penalties in two matches in a row, then picked up a minor injury ahead of our last match. He also was shown a yellow card for dissent while on the bench for Italy yesterday, which truly begs the question: Are these just growing pains? Or signs of trouble?

Lost his form? Or lost his mind?

Podcast: Frenemies

Closing out an international break where COVID-19 is running rampant, it was obvious that we needed some Napoli expertise to look ahead to Sunday's big matchup. So in a rare non-Milan guest appearance, Joe of Forza Napoli Calcio Podcast joined me to discuss all things Napoli-Milan, including Gattuso and Serie A's horrific handling of their protocol during a global pandemic. Frenemies.

Frenemies

Poll: Where Will Milan Finish This Season?

Milan have had an amazing 2020. Sitting on top of the Serie A table, unbeaten in 19 league matches, there is a lot of optimism. But is it too much optimism? Will this young team burn out? Will the crammed fixture list ruin our great run of form? Can we actually dream of a Scudetto? Today it's your turn to have your say. Scroll down and take the poll.

How high can this young team reach?

Zlatan Ibrahimović: All of the Reasons

Much is being discussed about Ibrahimović, particularly about how old he is. There is simply not enough talk about how good he is. But in addition to both of those statements being true, there are also the discussions about the mentality he he has brought to the team, and the gift that he is to all of the young players. Sure, those are the things everyone is talking about. However, there are also a couple of other reasons that should not be forgotten. In fact, people should be talking about Ibrahimović for all of the reasons.

Indescribably awesome, for all of the reasons

Podcast: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

Milan had a tough week, with a loss in the Europa League and a draw in the league. But that is not the most concerning setback. With the international break upon us, Italy's handling of the pandemic is more inconsistent than ever, and it seems like they are heading more and more toward another complete shutdown. Adreano and I discussed the recent matches and the COVID-19 crisis this week as Italy took one step forward, two steps back.

If only Italy were progressing as much as Milan

Milan 2, Verona 2: It's Complicated

After a tough loss on Thursday, we knew this match would not be any easier. Fighting fatigue and the pressures of being top of the table, we knew this one would also test our young team. Perhaps we didn't expect to have to claw our way back from a 2-0 deficit, or take more than 30 shots to get a point, but we knew it would be complicated.

Magnificent errors, and saving the match in spite of himself

Milan-Verona Preview: Rebound

Milan suffered our first loss in 25 matches on Thursday to an impressive Lille. But that was the Europa League. This is Serie A. Milan are still top of the table, and no one can catch us this week. But remaining unbeaten in the league and winning a match against a very tough Hellas Verona side is very important to our Champions League dreams this season. And getting our very young team's mentality back quickly, and before the international break, is very important on the rebound.

What happened here?

AC Milan 0, Lille OSC 3: Bamboozled

Losing never feels good. For our first loss after 24 games unbeaten, this one was no exception. Milan actually had 55% possession and twelve shots, with four on target. But if you watched the second half, you never would have guessed it. After Yazici's second goal, Milan let Lille control the match, and not even Pioli's masterful subs could make a difference. Milan were completely bamboozled.

Bamboozled

Europa League • AC Milan-Lille OSC Preview: Battle Cry

Milan lead Group H in the Europa League after the first two matches. But the biggest test for us comes in the next two games, when we face Lille OSC, first at the San Siro, then in France. Both teams come into the match unbeaten in their respective leagues, and the results of these two matches will most likely determine the results of the group. So, even with tired players and another big match coming up on Sunday, Milan need to win this match. It is time to field 11 warriors who are willing to fight to the end. This is our battle cry.

The ex-Lille defender is ready for battle

Podcast: Immense Character

Three games in seven days gives fans plenty to talk about, but there was also plenty to talk about off of the pitch this time as well. George and I also discussed Serie A's handling of COVID-19, Franco Baresi being given an honorary title and the minority shareholders' meeting also all happened in a very busy Milan week.

Immense character

Udinese 1, Milan 2: One More for the Road

The lunchtime games are never easy. For fans like me, they are at 3:30am, and sacrificing sleep is that much more painful if the performance or the results are poor. But that was not the case for this match. Although the players looked like they were struggling as hard as I struggled to get out of bed for this one, they pushed through and got the result. Because that's what the league leaders do, get results. With 24 matches unbeaten and playing away at the Stadio Friuli, this was one more for the road.

Celebrating never gets old

Udinese-Milan Preview: Hurdle

As much as Milan fans are flying high on what seemed to be an effortless performance on Thursday, this game could be our stumbling block. Sure, we are 23 games unbeaten, top of Serie A and to of our Europa League group, but the season is young, and so is our team. It is clear that we are tired, and Udinese will be hungry to be that team that broke our streak. Fans will be hungry, too, because the game is at lunchtime in Italy. So even if this seems like a match we should obviously win, this one could prove to be a hurdle.

Our former player could trip us up

AC Milan 3, AC Sparta Prague 0: The Portuguese Inquisition

There is a classic Monty Python sketch called "The Spanish Inquisition," in which three Spanish Cardinals burst on to the set shouting "No one expects the Spanish Inquisition!" and listing their chief weapons as fear, surprise, ruthless efficiency, an almost fanatical devotion to the Pope, and nice red uniforms. Tonight at the San Siro, Sparta Prague probably didn't expect the Portuguese inquisition. With two of the three goals scored by our young Portuguese players, our principal weapons were youth, skill, ruthless efficiency, an almost fanatical devotion to winning, and red and black uniforms. No one expected the Portuguese inquisition.

Youth, skill, ruthless efficiency, an almost fanatical devotion to winning...

Europa League • AC Milan-AC Sparta Prague: Pressing On

After a fiery clash with Roma on Monday that saw both the head referee and VAR referee suspended for one month for doing who knows what instead of refereeing, players and fans were left unsatisfied and unsettled with the 3-3 draw. They will host AC Sparta Prague at the San Siro on Thursday in hopes of getting the result they deserved. Amidst the steadily climbing cases of COVID-19 and the neverending schedule of matches, Milan are pressing on.

Pressing forward

Milan 3, Roma 3: A Tragedy of Errors

The phrase "a comedy of errors" implies that there is some kind of humor to be found amongst travesty. However, set against the backdrop of Gigio Donnarumma, Hauge, and three staff members all testing positive for COVID-19 ahead of the match, and new restrictions removing all fans from the stadium, the stage was certainly set for a tragedy, not a comedy. And the match did not disappoint. Between the errors of our new backup keeper, and a referee who lost control of the match after having made a number of blatant errors, the 3-3 draw was not representative of the performances of both teams. No one was left laughing, it was a tragedy of errors.

Saving €.8 million per year has already cost us 2 points

Milan-Roma Preview: Stress Test

Following injury, illness, or surgery, a cardiologist will often run a stress test to see if the heart is working properly again. This test puts the heart under controlled amounts of stress while monitoring function to determine the fitness and function levels. This match for Milan is similar, in that Milan are in he midst of an amazing unbeaten streak, along with a dense schedule and a few injuries, with plenty of matches ahead of us. Roma are in great form, and thus this is the perfect opportunity to see if our form is a true measure of our team's abilities, or if we have just been really lucky. Either way, certainly, for fans, this match feels like a stress test.

Calhanoglu has passed his stress test

Podcast: Great Time to Be a Milan Fan

Thursday's win away to Celtic seemed to really emphasize the new era of Milan that has been growing since January. With 21 matches undefeated, the youngest average aged team in Europe, it is truly a great time to be a Milan fan. Denmark native and Kjaer expert Søren has seen the greatest and some of the poorest Milan teams, and we sat down to discuss all things Milan this week.

He's got our back

Celtic 1, Milan 3: Proving Grounds

Going into this match, Milan had some injury concerns. We knew we were missing Rebic and Calhanoglu, for example, two important pieces in our starting lineup. We also knew that we had exciting young players on the bench who were looking for some playing time. But would they be enough in an important match? Is young talent enough? Could they stay focused and mentally strong in a European match? Tonight, our young players were at the heart of a deserved victory, a match won with both talent and mentality as Milan made Celtic Park their proving grounds.

Proven

Europa League • Celtic-Milan Preview: So It Begins...

Milan begin this season's Europa League group stage with a trip to Celtic Park in Glasgow. Both teams have some significant injuries, but Milan are coming off of the high of winning our Derby this weekend, while Celtic lost their Derby. Getting through the group stage will obviously be important to both teams, but Milan's mentality may prove more valuable than Celtic's home advantage, especially without fans. Neither team have ever won the Europa League, although both have a history in European competitions. This match will be the first of many for Milan to prove themselves worthy of getting back to the Champions League, where we have won seven titles to Celtic's singular title. So it begins...

Current mood

Podcast: The Derby, Death, and Football

Hell yeah. Milan won the Derby. Undefeated since the restart, top of the table, but earning a win over Inter is by far my personal favorite accomplishment. However, unfortunately, it came under the cloud of a discussion about a deadly virus and a protocol that promotes politics instead of health, safety, and life. Still, despite Italy and Serie A's complete failure to do the right things, Milan were not to be stopped. Aaron and I celebrated what was for both of us a Saturday morning celebration of epic proportions. 

The answer to life, the universe, and everything

Inter 1, Milan 2: All the Feels

Victory. Delicious victory. That's all I can think about right now. We won. We beat Inter, breaking our Derby curse. We're at the top of the table. Undefeated since March. It's been so long since Milan brought me so much happiness, I almost forgot how it feels. And even better, we are showing no signs of stopping. I literally have all the feels.

All the feels

Inter vs. Milan Preview: Derby Be Damned

Even if Milan hasn't won a Derby della Madonnina for three years, and even then only in extra time, this match always gets the hate flowing for me. Those vile, wiretapping grass snakes always need to lose, even if on paper, that is unlikely, as they have spent almost three times as much as we have on players in the past few years. But this year's Derby has a new twist. The global pandemic has literally gone viral on the two squads, with eight players currently testing positive for Saturday's big match. We can play the match and ignore the health and safety of our players and staff, or we can try to postpone it and see if the Lega Serie A will screw us over like they did Napoli. We are damned if we do, and damned if we don't.

Kind of like that, only imagine if Kjaer was facing a deadly virus