Journalist
December 4 – 07:09 – MILANO
I’m going all out: Paulo Fonseca announced it, with his Milan he kept his promise. The goleada in the Italian Cup against the inconsistent and crumbly Sassuolo, unrecognizable leaders in Serie B, is not only striking for the size of the score. The message sent by the Rossoneri is intriguing: they are serious in a competition that they don’t consider to be second best. Bologna seems to be on the same page, drawing applause and beating Monza without any problems. Today it’s up to Fiorentina and Empoli, tomorrow it’s Lazio-Napoli: we’ll understand even better who intends to commit resources to the Cup.
FONSECA MAN OF THE CUP
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Who is clear from the start is the Milan coach, winner in Ukraine and Portugal, a specialist. Even without fielding the starters, he still set up a lineup that allowed him to complete the practice in peace. Let’s also say that the second lines acquire minutes: the start is encouraging, for Milan it is also worth investing on another internal front. There is no need to turn into barkers, because there is a detail to keep in mind that is not a detail: the Italian Cup gives the right to a place in the Europa League and to the Super Cup Final Four. It may not be the Champions League, but it is still something.
A “PACKERING” TROPHY
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The competition has regained a depth that had gradually been lost towards the end of the nineties: in the hierarchies it does not displace the championship and Europe, but it is no longer perceived as a necessary, but almost annoying, commitment. No, now it is seen as the stage of a journey that pushes towards other goals. From an Italian Cup, for example, Inter’s winning cycle began first with Roberto Mancini, then with José Mourinho. And the same happened with Juventus, collectors of championships in the 1910s, who didn’t flinch even in the Italian Cup. After all, Max Allegri greeted all the Juventus fans with a memorable finish, but with the Cup in hand.
IN THE WAKE OF THE GREATS
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In short, the big ones have set a good example again, all the others have adapted and don’t feel like throwing anything away. In the 2024-25 draw, the best teams from last season enter the round of 16 and the top ten in the current Serie A standings are competing. Beyond the pass to Europe, there are other valid reasons to move forward as much as possible . Just look at what’s happening in the league. Napoli deservedly occupy the top spot, closely guarded by the Atalanta of wonders. But the leading group is not at all scattered, there are no tyrants who have already created a void. The Juve of the eight draws is also there, equipped to stay on the train for the Champions League zone and for the record. Everything is still so fluid that everyone at the top retains its fair chance. Including Milan themselves, further behind, but with one game less.
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WATCH OUT FOR SURPRISES
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All together passionately: the more open the race, the more beautiful it is. But precisely because uncertainty reigns, it will be necessary to protect ourselves from any surprises. Of course, it is advisable to make calculations based on energy needs: Inter and Juve, who will be on the field until late summer with the Club World Cup, will not be able to do without it, but the other Italian teams in Europe will also have to manage their forces. At the same time, however, there will not be rich prizes and cotillions for everyone. You might as well, as long as you can, not take the Italian Cup lightly, as a good stamp always ensures it. Given the forces competing, the League trophy is within the reach of each of the top seven of Serie A, with the necessary gradations, of course. Bologna, eighth, is however recovering. When the picture is clearer and more defined, each competitor will have to make choices. The quarterfinals will be played in February, the semi-finals in April, with home and away matches: it is advisable to stay in the running as much as possible, you never know that in the meantime you will find yourself out of the fight for the other ambitious objectives. More than a consolation, the trophy would give meaning to a season. A Cup is always a Cup: Milan seems to have no doubts.
