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AC Milan's Serie A Struggle: Derby Dominance Defines Season
AC Milan's 2024-2025 Serie A season has been a rollercoaster. While a ninth-place finish and a likely absence from European competition next season paint a bleak picture, their performances against city rivals Inter Milan tell a different story. This season, Milan has utterly dominated Inter, securing three resounding victories.
Milan's Derby Triumphs
Their most recent triumph came Wednesday in the Coppa Italia semi-final. A stunning 3-0 victory (4-1 aggregate) saw Luka Jovic bag a brace, propelling Milan to the final against Bologna. This victory follows wins in the Italian Super Cup and a previous Serie A match against Inter. Jovic's performance was pivotal, and his post-match comments highlighted Milan's contrasting fortunes: "We are not that good in Serie A... We had to show the quality today."
Coppa Italia Final Bound
Despite their Serie A struggles, this Coppa Italia success offers a glimmer of hope. A victory in Rome on May 14th would be a significant achievement and could potentially secure manager Sérgio Conceição's position. For midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, the Coppa Italia provides a crucial pathway to European football next season.
Inter's Double Blow
Conversely, the defeat was a significant blow to Inter, who are locked in a tight title race with Napoli. This loss, following a 1-0 defeat to Bologna, adds to their woes as they prepare for their Champions League semi-final against Barcelona. Inter's fatigue and fixture congestion were evident. The team's already tight schedule was further compressed due to the rescheduling of matches following the death of Pope Francis.
Juventus' Setback & Parma's Upset
Meanwhile, Juventus suffered a significant blow to their Champions League hopes after a shock 1-0 defeat against Parma. Mateo Pellegrino's goal proved decisive, pushing Juventus to fifth place, one point behind Bologna in the race for the final Champions League spot. This surprising victory significantly boosted Parma's survival hopes, pulling them six points clear of the relegation zone.
Looking Ahead
The final stretch of Serie A promises excitement. Napoli has a chance to secure the Scudetto, while the battle for the Champions League places remains intense. Milan's success against Inter underscores the unpredictable nature of the league, highlighting the crucial impact of derby matches and raising questions about the future for various teams. The Coppa Italia final will be a crucial match for Milan, showcasing whether their derby form translates to broader success.
