AC Milan vs. Como: Matchday 24

AC Milan hosted Como at San Siro on the evening of February 18 in a rescheduled Serie A Matchday 24 fixture, originally postponed due to the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony. Head coach Massimiliano Allegri described this as a “decisive moment in the season” and called for a disciplined performance.[1][2][3]

A late setback emerged before the match: Ruben Loftus-Cheek was ruled out of the starting XI due to a physical problem, with Christopher Nkunku stepping in alongside Rafael Leão in attack. Adrien Rabiot was also suspended. The expected lineup featured Maignan in goal, a back three of Tomori, De Winter, and Pavlović, with Athekame and Bartesaghi as wing-backs, and a midfield trio of Ricci, Modrić, and Jashari.[4]

A win would move Milan to within five points of league leaders Inter, a crucial step in their pursuit of both Champions League qualification and the Scudetto.[5]

Serie A Standings and Scudetto Race

Heading into the Como match, AC Milan sat 2nd in Serie A with 53 points from 24 matches (15 wins, 8 draws, 1 loss), trailing leaders Inter by 8 points but with a game in hand. The top of the table looked as follows:[2][6]

Milan are a remarkable 15 points better off than at the same stage last season under Allegri’s stewardship. The Opta supercomputer gives Inter an 89.9% chance of winning the Scudetto, with Milan at 8.7%. Allegri has maintained a cautious stance, saying the club’s primary target is Champions League qualification first.[7][5]

Milan also hold a scheduling advantage: already eliminated from the Coppa Italia and without European commitments this season, they face fewer fixtures than Inter, who still have Champions League and Coppa Italia obligations.[8]

Recent Results

Milan have been in strong form under Allegri heading into the Como match:

• Pisa 1–2 Milan (Feb 13) — Loftus-Cheek and Modrić (85th-minute winner) scored in a gritty away victory.[9][2]
• Bologna 0–3 Milan (Feb 3) — A dominant display with goals from Loftus-Cheek, Nkunku (pen.), and Rabiot.[2]
• Roma 1–1 Milan (Jan 25) — A hard-fought draw at the Stadio Olimpico.[2]
• Milan 1–0 Lecce (Jan 18) — A narrow home win.[10]
• Como 1–3 Milan (Jan 15) — A convincing away victory in the reverse fixture.[10]

Transfer Rumors: Lewandowski, Gabriel Jesus, and Vlahovic

AC Milan are actively considering summer striker targets. The main options being explored include:[11]

• Robert Lewandowski — The Barcelona striker is a free agent this summer and Milan are interested, though Atletico Madrid, Fenerbahce, Chicago Fire, and a Saudi club are reportedly ahead in the race.[12][11]
• Gabriel Jesus — The Arsenal forward’s contract expires in 2027 with no renewal interest, creating a potential opportunity.[11]
• Dusan Vlahovic — The Juventus striker remains the primary target, with his exit from Juve considered almost certain.[11]

Milan pulled the plug on a January move for Jean-Philippe Mateta after a tip-off from sporting director Igli Tare. The club also reportedly made a January approach for a Brighton attacker.[7]

Contract Updates

Fikayo Tomori — Renewal “One Step Away”

Tomori is on the verge of signing a new deal until June 2030, with a salary of approximately €4 million net per season (including bonuses). The agreement is described as practically done, and he is expected to be called to Casa Milan for the signing imminently.[13][14]

Christian Pulisic — Contract Stalemate

Despite being Milan’s top Serie A scorer with 8 goals in 17 matches, Pulisic’s contract renewal has hit a stalemate. His current deal expires in 2027, and negotiations around a €5 million-per-season agreement have been stuck for over a year. There are concerns that Pulisic’s strong performances could lead his camp to demand a salary on par with Leão and Maignan.[6][15]

Mike Maignan — Renewed

The goalkeeper signed a new contract until 2031 during the January window, securing one of Milan’s most important players.[13]

Owner Cardinale Increases Presence

RedBird Capital founder Gerry Cardinale visited Milanello for the second time in 25 days on February 17, joined by club management. Reports suggest Cardinale is looking to enforce three key RedBird concepts with increased involvement at the club.[16][7]

Upcoming Fixtures

The Milan Derby on March 8 could prove pivotal in the Scudetto race.[2]

Liberali Departure

Young talent Liberali thanked Paulo Fonseca and Milan but revealed why he left the club, stating he has “no regrets” about his decision.[16]