AC Milan fans have had a bumpy run lately. A frustrating 1-0 loss to Atalanta left players and supporters angry, and Rafael Leão has been vocal about the team's need to respond. That result hurt Milan's Serie A hopes, so the Coppa Italia semi-final against Inter now feels like a must-win to lift spirits and salvage the season.
The Atalanta game exposed weaknesses Milan must fix quickly. The side struggled to create clear chances and looked inconsistent across 90 minutes. Defending set pieces and holding midfield control were particularly shaky. That one-goal defeat wasn’t just bad luck — it highlighted a pattern of stops-and-starts that cost crucial points. If Milan want to compete on multiple fronts, they need sharper pressing and cleaner link play between midfield and attack.
Rafael Leão has carried this team more than once, but even his best performances can’t cover systemic problems. He publicly admitted the loss was hard to process, which shows the squad understands the stakes. A strong reaction in the Coppa Italia would calm nerves and give momentum back to the locker room.
Derbies are unpredictable. Milan must be tight on transitions and avoid getting stretched on the counter. Expect Inter to target midfield overloads and test Milan’s backline early. Watch how Milan set up defensively—do they sit deeper to absorb pressure or try to press high and force turnovers? Tactical choices will decide the tie more than individual moments.
Key players to track: Leão for moments of brilliance, the central midfielder who can win second balls, and the full-backs who need to balance attack and cover. If Milan’s midfield wins the duels, they can slow Inter’s rhythm and create chances on the break.
Fitness and rotation matter now. A Cup semi-final plus league fixtures means squad depth will be tested. Coaches will decide who rests and who plays through knocks. Keep an eye on official team news before kickoff; small absences can swing a tight derby.
Want to follow the game? Check official club channels for broadcast and streaming details, and use live match trackers if you can’t watch. Social feeds around kickoff give quick updates and highlight clips.
This phase of the season is all about response. Milan’s next few matches will show whether they snap back and push for trophies, or drift further from title contention. Either way, the Coppa Italia clash with Inter is the perfect measuring stick for where the team really stands.