GNK Dinamo Zagreb 2, AC Milan 1: Self-Destruct

Milan have always taken the saying, "You are your own worst enemy" far too literally. In a situation where they held their Champions League Round of 16 qualification in their hands, they were the ones who would have to give up their direct qualification spot. Not helpful that the match was away, in a hostile stadium. Or that Milan's own fans were protesting (again), so they were without support. Not helpful that there were injuries and suspensions that impacted the starting eleven and depth as well. But without crucial errors, Milan's quality should have still helped them see this one through. It was the perfect recipe for Milan to self-destruct, so Dinamo Zagreb won 2-1 and now Milan will have to go into the playoffs to hope for the Round of 16. 

Even the hopes and dreams of a starting 11 can still self-destruct.

Champions League • League Phase • GNK Dinamo Zagreb vs. AC Milan Preview: Supernova Time

The new Champions League format seems to have been received well. However on Wednesday, the League Phase ends with a footballing event of such epic proportions, it may destroy itself. All 36 teams will be playing simultaneously. 18 matches happening all at once, which kind of defeats the purpose of ads and ratings and such, when everyone's loyalties are split and they can really truly only watch one of the 18 matches instead of the usual four or so per week. And teams will be all in for the Round of 16, qualified for the playoffs, or out completely. Milan, for example will either be directly qualified or go to the playoffs, and Dinamo Zagreb are just fighting to avoid being knocked out. The entire competition will collapse on itself like a star, and all will finally be known after an explosive two hours of Champions League football. It's supernova time.

Milan's superstar is prepared to send us shooting into the Round of 16.

Milan 3, Parma 2: Stoppage Time Serendipity

This match, on paper, should not have been so difficult. Which is why, I'm sure, it was. For much of the match, it even felt like it was going to be a repeat of our away loss to Parma at the beginning of the season. Well, even until the 91st minute, it felt that way. However, by continuing to fight beyond the 91st minute, the collective belief was rewarded in stoppage time. Milan were down 2-1, but somehow came back with two goals in three minutes and defeated Parma 3-2 in what can only be described as stoppage time serendipity.

Who could have ever predicted a finish like that?

Milan-Parma Preview: Indigestion

Lunchtime matches always seem to be difficult for Milan. On paper, this should be a picnic. Parma are in 16th place, and Milan have only lost one match since Conceição arrived. But let's not forget that Parma were the team to hand us our first loss of the season. Both sides are missing a number of players to injuries, which should also be an advantage for Milan, with the much higher wagebill, but for some reason, Milan still struggle against teams who are battling against relegation. So, while I hope that this lunchtime match is a delicious three points at home, be prepared for the possibility of indigestion.

This team need to be focused and clinical to take all three points on Sunday.

AC Milan 1, Girona FC 0: Winning Ugly

In the penultimate matchday of the new League Phase of the Champions League, Milan defeated Girona 1-0. This, in spite of an incredibly beleaguered squad, and being weighed down by what are truly Milan's most hideous kits so far this season. Perhaps the win was not pretty, or even convincing at times. and Milan got a little help from VAR and SAOT (Semi-automated Offside Technology), too. But Conceição is not worried about aesthetics, he is worried about results. And certainly, you can see his effect on the team starting to take hold, even when they are winning ugly.

A beautiful goal marred by such a hideous kit.

Champions League • League Phase • AC Milan-Girona FC Preview: The Most Improbable Dream

After a rough match and a loss to Juventus on Saturday, Milan are hosting Girona at home in the Champions League for Matchday seven of eight to try to directly qualify for the Round of 16 in this new League Phase format. Unfortunately, after already being spread so thin, Conceição is missing even more players for this one, barely able to scrape together a starting 11, with practically no bench, having to rely on youth players. Girona have only won one match, so must win to have the most remote chance of not being eliminated. A must win for both teams to continue their Champions League journeys against all odds, the most improbable dream.

After such a tumultuous season, if they could bring the Champions League dream to the fans...

Juventus 2, Milan 0: Running on Empty

When the club posted the photos of the players' arrival at Allianz stadium ahead of the match, I could not help but notice that they all looked terrible. Like they were exhausted or sick or something. Playing every three days, traveling, and with Conceição's rigorous new training sessions, they looked maxed out before they even warmed up. So when the match finished 2-0 for Juventus, I was not that surprised. The match was intense, and particularly in the first half, Milan gave it everything they had. But there is only so much you can give when you are running on empty. 

What can they do if they've got nothing left to give?

Juventus-Milan Preview: Reprise

If it seems like we already played Juventus twice this season, it's because we have. We played to a most dismal 0-0 draw under Fonseca in November. Then we just literally played them two weeks ago, when we defeated them 1-0 in the Supercoppa Semifinal in Saudi Arabia for Conceição's debut. However, we have not played them yet in Turin, Which means that, while Milan have had supporters present for both previous matches, the Curva Sud are once again boycotting this one due to Juventus' ticketing policies. So, Juventus are undefeated in Serie A this season, but Milan are undefeated vs. Juventus in all competitions. Just two Serie A giants playing for Europa League spots. Reprise.

I wouldn't mind a reprise of this, honestly.

Como 1, Milan 2: Proceed with Caution

Tuesday's away trip to Como to make up Matchday 19, which everyone else played while the Supercoppa tournament was happening in Saudi Arabia was very much a cautionary tale. First of all, never doubt a team fighting to avoid relegation (although we learned that last week against Cagliari, too.) Second, never underestimate a referee whose favorite color is yellow, particularly when the home fans are producing an annoying din the entire time (and we have players who are in danger of suspension.) Third, whether it is leftover from the Fonseca era or due to Conceição's rigorous double training sessions and an insane match schedule, we are back to three points forward, three injuries backward, heading toward a crisis level again. Finally, Como have already made significant improvements in their transfer window, which is what helped them to be so competitive. Having a competent management matters. So, while Milan defeated Como 2-1, now Conceição must truly proceed with caution.

Morata was both injured and will be suspended, Thiaw was injured in this match.

Como-Milan Preview: Destination Football

After 21 years, Como are back in Serie A. This time, with minority stakeholders and football legends Thierry Henry and Cesc Fabregas, too. Fabregas is also coaching the team now, and the involvement of these two in the club has brought celebrities from all over to watch matches. Located on beautiful, scenic Lake Como, the city is a great destination for tourists. Even though Como is just north of Milano, with the beautiful setting and the football royalty, this match will still seem a bit like destination football.

The team when they found out they got to go to Como on a Tuesday evening.

Milan 1, Cagliari 1: Our Hangover Team

Twice this season, Milan have played spectacular matches, then faced Cagliari a few days later. Twice now this season, Cagliari have earned a point with a draw vs. Milan following those spectacular matches. The first time was after Milan miraculously defeated Real Madrid 3-1 in Spain. Four days later, Milan played a disappointing 3-3 draw away to Cagliari in Sardinia. This time, obviously, Milan defeated Inter to win the Supercoppa on Monday, then Saturday, played to a frustrating 1-1 draw with Cagliari at the San Siro. Sometimes you win, and sometimes you draw with a relegation-threatened side. This year, Cagliari are our hangover team.

Regrouping at the end of the match.

Milan-Cagliari Preview: Time To Get To Work

While videos of the delicious Derby win to earn our eighth Supercoppa trophy on Monday are still being shared and watched, and everything about it is still helping Milan fans smile, the players had to come home and get straight back to work. Saturday's match vs. Cagliari is the first league match for Conceição, and hopefully the first match of Milan's redemption story arc this season. Okay, there will also be a little celebration for them, as the trophy will be presented at the San Siro on Saturday, as well. But aside from that, it is all focus, because we cannot repeat what happened the last time we faced Cagliari after a big match. It;s time to get to work.

Winning a trophy was Monday. Saturday, it's time to get to work to save our season.

Inter 2, Milan 3: Sweet Supercoppa Victory

Malcom Forbes said "Victory is sweetest when you have known defeat." This could not be more true for AC Milan, who suffered more than their fair share of Derby defeats to slithering cross city rivals Inter in recent years. That would have made this more than delicious enough, but that was not all. Milan also beat hated rivals Juventus in the Semifinal just to get to this match. With a brand new manager who had literally only been at the club for a few days (and was ill, too.) But I think the most bitter defeat this team suffered this season was the seven months wasted under Fonseca, who cared more about his football than he did about his players or even winning. Coming out on the other side of that, then forcing a 3-2 comeback win against Inter, the team that we had suffered the most from, was the most exquisite kind of victory. Many Serie A fans do not rate this trophy highly, but lifting Milan's 50th trophy and eighth Supercoppa trophy is very special to Milan fans in this moment. It was a very sweet Supercoppa victory.

Sweet Supercoppa victory.

Supercoppa Final • Inter Milan vs. AC Milan Preview: La Befana Bringing the Fire

The only thing that could make a Supercoppa Final more fiery is a Supercoppa Final that is also a Milano Derby. With Milan having taken the Derby back in September, but Inter in far better form, this one should be plenty fiery. Particularly after Cardinale's naïve interview in December that angered the Commander of the Marotta League. Despite Conceição and several of the players battling fever and flu symptoms, as well as some injury concerns, there is a strong desire within the Milan team to win this one for family. With Juventus out of the way after a 2-1 win in the Semifinal, Milan just have to win this one match to lift a trophy. The final just happens to fall on the Epiphany, the day that La Befana will have visited the young children with either gifts or coal, but I predict that this time, La Befana is bringing the fire.

Instead of presents or coal, Befana is bringing a fiery Derby for the Supercoppa Final.

Juventus 1, Milan 2: To the Final!

After a season where Juventus have struggled to be decisive in matches, in this Supercoppa Semifinal, they decided to score the winning goal... for Milan. Milan defeated Juventus 2-1 in Riyadh to set up a Derby final with Inter on Monday. Despite the fact that Sergio Conceição had only arrived Monday afternoon and was ill with a fever, he pulled the team together (some of whom were also sick,) and got an immediate result to help bring smiles back to Milan players and fans alike. The first match post-Fonseca, Milan got the win and in just four days, Conceição already visibly has the team united and fighting for him. Now on to the final!

A team united and winning after just four days...

Supercoppa Semifinal • Juventus-Milan Preview: A Family Affair

The Sergio Conceição era begins on Friday with a Supercoppa Semifinal matchup between the Italian team with the most league titles and the Italian team with the most European titles. So it is only fitting that this should be a family affair, with Sergio's new team facing Juventus, which is Francisco's team, one of his sons. It also would not be an Italian Supercoppa without some kind of unsavory issue, so stir in a little sportswashing by having the tournament in Saudi Arabia again, with the winner of this match reported to receive up to €8 million. And there you have it, it's the perfect Italian football family affair.

Our Milan family, Kalulu, and Sergio Conceição's real life family, Francisco.

Milan 1, Roma 1: Fonseca Sent Off

This match was an incredibly eventful one, particularly for a draw. Although there were only two goals, there were eight yellow cards on the pitch, another yellow and two red cards off the pitch, and a penalty that was not called that a blind man would have given in his sleep. But the real action happened after the match. After Fonseca assured the press he felt his job was secure, management informed him that he no longer had a job. So, after a 1-1 draw with his former club Roma, not only did he get a red card, Fonseca was permanently sent off.

Saelemaekers witnesses Fonseca's rage firsthand and realizes the bullet he dodged.