Recent Form and European Setback
AC Milan recently endured a significant 3-0 defeat against AFC Bournemouth in the Europa League, a match that saw goalkeeper Mike Maignan sent off in the 27th minute for shoving an opponent, leading to a penalty for Bournemouth [1]. This incident contributed to Milan conceding two penalties in the game, with Koni De Winter also conceding one due to a handball [2]. The loss was described as a significant defeat, with the team’s performance falling below expectations [3]. Prior to this European fixture, AC Milan had shown weaknesses even in their 3-2 Serie A win over Atalanta [2]. However, it is worth noting that before the Bournemouth match, AC Milan had won three of their last four competitive games [4]. Manager Ruben Amorim is expected to discuss Maignan’s dismissal with him upon returning to Milan [2].
Squad Challenges: Injuries and Suspensions
AC Milan is currently facing a challenging period with several key players unavailable due to injuries and suspensions. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan received a straight red card in the Europa League and will be suspended for the next match in that competition [2]. While Maignan is available for Serie A games [5], Lorenzo Torriani is expected to start in goal for the upcoming Europa League fixture [4]. In addition to Maignan, Filippo Terracciano is also suspended for the Europa League trip to Bournemouth following a red card [6]. The injury list is extensive, with Gonçalo Ramos sidelined due to a calf injury [7] and Samuel Chukwueze out for several weeks with a hip condition [6]. Alexis Saelemaekers and Matteo Gabbia are also reported to be missing due to injury [6]. Given these absences, Francesco Camarda is likely to start as AC Milan’s centre-forward [7], and Ruben Loftus-Cheek is expected to play a significant role, bringing his experience to the squad [8].
What it means
AC Milan currently sits in 4th position in Serie A with 15 points from 7 matches, having secured 4 wins and 3 draws without a loss. Their goal difference stands at 14 goals scored and 7 conceded. This strong league form contrasts sharply with their recent European disappointment. The team’s last five Serie A results show a resilient run: a 3-2 home win against Atalanta, a 1-1 draw away to Sassuolo, a 3-0 home win against Lecce, a 2-2 draw away to Lazio, and a 1-1 draw away to Juventus. This sequence indicates a team that, despite some defensive vulnerabilities, has consistently found ways to earn points in the league. The upcoming Serie A fixture against Udinese will test AC Milan’s depth and resilience, particularly given the significant number of key players unavailable due to suspensions and injuries. The team will need to rally and demonstrate their league form to maintain their strong position in the table.
Sources
- Football Italia: Video: Maignan sent off after Milan goalkeeper shoves Adams in the face football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Amorim: ‘There was no game’ as 10-man Milan punished in Bournemouth football-italia.net ↩
- Sky Sports: 'Night they'll never forget!' - Bournemouth breeze past European giants AC Milan skysports.com ↩
- Football Italia: UEL | Bournemouth 3-0 Milan: Sour cherries for naïve Rossoneri football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: How many matches could Maignan miss after his red card for Milan at Bournemouth? football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Milan get mixed news on Goncalo Ramos and Chukwueze injuries football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Milan striker Gonçalo Ramos ruled out of Bournemouth clash with calf injury football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Loftus-Cheek and Amorim disagree over England hopes: ‘He doesn’t believe he can play’ football-italia.net ↩
