By Marta Elena Casanova
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The 2024–2025 season will go down as one of the darkest in Milan’s recent history. Finishing seventh in Serie A and losing the Coppa Italia final against Bologna have officially left the Rossoneri out of all European competitions next season. It’s a total failure — the first exclusion due to sporting reasons since the 2015–2016 season — that opens a period of internal scrutiny and, above all, revolution within the club.
What was supposed to be a season of consolidation turned into a slow collapse. With Champions League hopes long gone, the Coppa Italia represented the last opportunity to salvage the campaign and qualify at least for the Europa League. But the 1–0 defeat in Rome against Bologna closed that door too, sealing a disastrous year with serious economic consequences.
How much does Milan lose without European football?
The impact of missing out on European competitions is massive, both in image and financially. Just last season, Champions League participation brought in over €60 million in UEFA prize money, ticket revenue, and TV rights. On top of that, Milan will also miss out on the new 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which could have earned them up to €45 million more.
Without Europe, Milan will need to reassess its transfer strategy. Less revenue means fewer funds to invest — unless the club sells some of its stars. Theo Hernández and Mike Maignan are among the most valuable assets and could generate significant income. Rafael Leão might also be sold if the right offer arrives. There is a real risk that the current technical project, already weakened, may be dismantled to start over — with far fewer resources.
A new direction: Igli Tare joins the club
A major sign of this revolution is the arrival of Igli Tare, former sporting director of Lazio. He will play a key role in appointing the new manager and shaping the club’s transfer market strategy. After the dismissal of Paulo Fonseca and the brief interest in Sérgio Conceição, Milan is looking for a coach who can restore order, identity, and ambition to a squad that has lost its way.
Tare is known for building competitive teams with limited budgets and will likely focus on signing young, motivated, and sustainable profiles — in line with the “moneyball” philosophy promoted by Gerry Cardinale and RedBird Capital Partners. His arrival may also mark a definitive break with the previous management era led by Paolo Maldini, dismissed in 2023 amid much controversy.
Fans in revolt
Fan protests have been loud and clear. During the final home match at San Siro against Monza, the Curva Sud displayed banners criticizing the club leadership, president Scaroni, and Cardinale, accusing them of destroying the club’s identity. Even Zlatan Ibrahimović, back as a consultant, faced backlash for his lack of influence in recent decisions. The rift between fans and the club is deep, and it will take bold decisions to restore trust.
Milan now starts over with no European football and no defined head coach. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the club’s real ambitions. The appointment of Tare signals a shift, but the squad must be rebuilt and the new manager will need vision and authority. Without Europe, without money, and with a disappointed fan base, Milan stands at a crossroads: rebuild or collapse into another crisis.
By Marta Elena Casanova
