As the Serie A season draws to a close, AC Milan and Salernitana prepare to face off in what promises to be a highly anticipated match at the San Siro. The two teams find themselves at opposite ends of the table, with AC Milan firmly in second place and Salernitana languishing at the bottom. Despite their contrasting fortunes, both sides will be eager to conclude their campaigns on a positive note.
Date: 25/05/2024
Kick-off time: 19:45
Location: San Siro
AC Milan enter this match sitting second in Serie A with 74 points from 37 games. The Rossoneri have had a mixed season, marked by moments of brilliance but also periods of inconsistency. Having already surpassed last season's points total, there are certainly positives to take away. However, being 18 points adrift of city rivals Inter in the title race indicates that Milan have not fully met their own expectations, especially considering the significant investment into their squad over recent years.
The 2021-22 Serie A champions were hopeful of a stronger title defence. While they have shown flashes of their potential, a lack of consistency has ultimately cost them. Manager Stefano Pioli has faced challenges in maintaining form throughout the season, but the team's ability to secure a second-place finish does highlight their quality and resilience.
Several players have stood out for AC Milan this season, contributing significantly to their campaign. Christian Pulisic and Raphael Leão have been particularly impressive on the wings. Pulisic, acquired from Chelsea, has adapted well to life in Serie A, providing crucial goals and assists. Leão, known for his pace and technical ability, has been a constant threat to defences and has often been the spark in Milan's attacking play.
Théo Hernández has also been a model of consistency at left-back. His defensive solidity, combined with his ability to support attacks, has made him an invaluable asset to Pioli's side. Hernández's contributions have not gone unnoticed, as he continues to be regarded as one of the top left-backs in the league.
The season's narrative for AC Milan has been one of potential unfulfilled. Despite a strong squad and moments of excellent play, they have struggled to keep pace with Inter. The gap between the two Milan clubs serves as a stark reminder of the areas where Milan need to improve. Yet, the Rossoneri have shown that they possess the talent and capability to challenge for the title in future seasons, provided they can address their inconsistencies.
In stark contrast, Salernitana find themselves at the bottom of Serie A with just 16 points from 36 games. Their season has been one of relentless struggle, with relegation confirmed well before the final game. After a solid campaign last time out, hopes were high for Salernitana to build on that foundation. Unfortunately, they have been unable to replicate or improve upon their past performances.
The club has had a particularly tumultuous season, having gone through four managers, with Stefano Colantuono currently at the helm. This managerial instability has undoubtedly contributed to their dismal campaign, as consistent leadership is often key to maintaining performance levels.
Salernitana now face the prospect of ending the season with the lowest-ever points tally in Serie A history. Currently, the record is held by Chievo, who accrued just 17 points in the 2018-19 season, albeit with a three-point deduction. Salernitana's current total of 16 points means that they must avoid defeat in their remaining fixtures to prevent setting a new unwanted record.
The recent head-to-head record between AC Milan and Salernitana has seen Milan hold the upper hand. In the last five encounters, Milan have emerged victorious twice, with the remaining three matches ending in draws. This suggests that while Salernitana have managed to occasionally frustrate the Rossoneri, Milan have generally had the better of these matchups.
Given the form and standing of both teams, AC Milan will be expected to dominate the proceedings. Pioli's men will look to end their season on a high note, providing their fans with something to cheer about as they secure second place in the league. For Milan, this game also presents an opportunity to build momentum and confidence ahead of the next season.
Salernitana, on the other hand, will be playing for pride. Despite their relegation, they will be keen to avoid the ignominy of setting a new record for the lowest points total. Colantuono's side will need to show resilience and fight if they are to get anything out of this match. The players will also be aware that strong individual performances could be crucial for their future careers, whether at Salernitana or elsewhere.
From a tactical perspective, AC Milan are likely to adopt an attacking approach, leveraging their superior squad quality and the home advantage. With Pulisic and Leão on the wings, Pioli may look to exploit the flanks and create opportunities through crosses and dribbles. Hernández's overlapping runs will also be a key feature, as his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively adds a dynamic edge to Milan's play.
Salernitana, in contrast, will probably set up defensively, aiming to frustrate Milan and hit on the counter-attack. Given their struggles throughout the season, Colantuono may prioritise a solid defensive structure to keep the game tight and look to capitalise on any mistakes from Milan. Set-pieces could be a potential avenue for Salernitana, as they might find it challenging to create chances from open play against a well-organised Milan defence.
As AC Milan and Salernitana prepare for this final showdown, the stakes, although vastly different for both sides, remain significant. Milan will be aiming to finish the season strongly, reaffirming their status as one of Italy's top clubs and setting a positive tone for the future. For Salernitana, it is about salvaging pride and avoiding an unwanted record, a difficult task given their current form and the quality of the opposition.
This match serves as a reflection of the broader narratives of both teams' seasons: Milan's pursuit of excellence and consistency, and Salernitana's battle against adversity and instability. As the curtain falls on another Serie A season, fans of both clubs will be hoping for a memorable encounter, one that encapsulates the highs and lows, the triumphs and tribulations of football.
Serie A 
