AC Milan vs Salernitana: Milan drops important points in top four race after 1-1 draw

As AC Milan vs Salernitana started, it looked as if Milan were on course to take advantage of the poor results for Inter

As AC Milan vs Salernitana started, it looked as if Milan were on course to take advantage of the poor results for Inter, Lazio and Roma as they took a one-goal lead into the break courtesy of Olivier Giroud's header from a corner, however the lead was squandered.

AC Milan vs Salernitana: Summary

The Rossoneri's defence had looked shaky in the first half and they were punished in the second with Boulaye Dia's first time finish at the near post taking advantage of a lack of coverage.

Despite having a couple of efforts cleared off the line it was just not Milan's night, meaning they missed out on the chance to go level on points with Inter in second and instead remain fourth in the league.

Stefano Pioli chose to make two changes to the starting line-up compared to the team that drew with Spurs to secure progress to the quarter-finals of the Champions League as Alexis Saelemaekers came in for the injured Junior Messias at wing-back and Ismael Bennacer joined Rade Krunic in the midfield.

There wasn't an awful lot to get the over 72,000 fans off their seats at San Siro in the opening exchanges, with the main threat from Milan being a cross from Saelemaekers on the right that was cleared with Olivier Giroud lining up a volley.

Brahim Diaz had a frustrating start to the game as he found himself getting bumped and bundled off the ball, but he did well to spin and win a free-kick around 20 yards out in the 13th minute, though Bennacer saw his effort blocked behind.

The Rossoneri's first big chance of the game came midway through the first half as Theo Hernandez was stopped by Gyomber but the ball fell to Rafael Leao who flashed a shot across the face of goal that just needed touching in.

Five minutes later Giroud tried the spectacular as he launched into a bicycle kick and got on the end of the corner that came in from the left, getting a good connection on the ball but just sending it over the bar.

The best way to describe Milan in possession in the first half would be sloppy and it nearly proved fatal just after the half-hour mark as a giveaway from Bennacer saw Kastanos pick up the ball in a dangerous position inside the box with Maignan off his line yet Krunic did well to divert it wide and save his midfield partner.

At the other end of the field Leao was again at the heart of danger as he cut onto his right foot and curled one towards the far corner that took a deflected and fizzed wide.

If there were any doubts about how special Maignan is – and there shouldn't be by now – he dispelled them minutes before the break. A mix-up at the back between Thiaw and Kalulu saw Dia get through on goal, yet Maignan came off his line and cut out the danger with a slide tackle Paolo Maldini would have been proud of watching on.

Milan capitalised on Salernitana's missed opportunities in the minute added at the end of the first half and the goal came from Olivier Giroud. An in-swinging corner from Bennacer on the right met the head of the Frenchman perfectly and he nodded home from close range.

AC Milan vs Salernitana: Giroud scored the goal for Milan | Sportz Point
Giroud scored the goal for Milan (Image- AC Milan)

Second Half:

Pioli's men had the first chance of the second half and rather fittingly for how Leao's night was going it was he who missed it. Bennacer did well to beat a couple of players on the dribble and fire a low ball into the near post that the Portuguese winger deflected wide.

The goal scorer Giroud had been penalised for a number of clumsy fouls when tracking back from his position up front and just before the hour he finally went into the book, with the yellow card meaning he misses the game at Udinese.

Read more: https://sportzpoint.com/football/frances-all-time-highest-goalscorer-olivier-giroud-continues-his-topscorer-form-with-his-53rd-goal-against-england-in-2022-world-cupfrances-all-time-highest-goalscorer-olivier-giroud-continues-his-t/

Not long after that Salernitana got the goal that their pressure in the first half had suggested they might be capable of, and it came from their main threat Boulaye Dia. It was a defensive mix-up that led to the goal as nobody picked up the run of the Senegalese forward who finished first time from Candreva's low cross.

The response from Pioli was a triple sub as Leao, Brahim Diaz and Giroud came off for Charles De Ketelaere, Divock Origi and Zlatan Ibrahimović, moments before Bennacer flashed a shot over the bar.

With 20 minutes left on the clock Milan were awarded a penalty by the referee La Penna as Bennacer took a tumble in the box, however he was called over by the VAR chief Banti and overturned his decision given there seemed to be no contact.

Milan were inches away from retaking the lead when a cross from the right flank was aimed towards Ibrahimovic and Origi at the far post, with the latter chesting an effort on goal that Ochoa made a fantastic reaction save on his line to deny.

The last couple of changes from Pioli saw Alessandro Florenzi and Sandro Tonali come on for Saelemaekers and Bennacer.

With just over three minutes remaining Milan were left questioning how they didn't get back in front. A cross flew across goal to Theo who dinked one back over the other way that Ochoa scrambled to stop before again clawing the rebound from Florenzi back off the line.

There was what would best be described as a bench-clearing altercation in the fifth minute of the six added on at the end of the 90 minutes with Theo taking exception to Salernitana's attempts to stop him taking a throw-in.

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AC Milan unveil stunning special 125th anniversary kit

AC Milan and Puma have unveiled a stunning new kit for the club's 125th anniversary. The kit will be worn by AC Milan in their next home match in San Siro against Genoa in the Serie A.

AC Milan unveil stunning special 125-year anniversary kit - sportzpoint.com

AC Milan have presented a beautiful new kit for the club's 125-year celebration. The new kit is crafted by the renowned brand PUMA to give a tribute to the Rossoneri's 125 years of legacy as one of the greatest Italian clubs ever, and the shirt will be donned by AC Milan players in their next home game against Genoa in the iconic San Siro Stadium. 

A stunning new kit to start the celebration

PUMA Present AC Milan's 125th Anniversary Kit - SoccerBible

The fourth kit of AC Milan this season is a special edition kit, to celebrate the club's legacy of long 125 years. Founded in 1899, AC Milan have consolidated themselves as one of the greatest Italian clubs in history. The shirt is significantly unveiled today, on 5 December 2024, which is 12.5 if numerically written. 

The iconic red and black striped design which originally emerged in the 1950s now enhances the beauty of the new kit; whereas the logo describes "Milan Football and Cricket Club". The badge pays homage to the very first logo of the club and Herbert Kilpin, the club's founder who wanted the club to represent both football and cricket. An emblematic symbol of AC Milan during the 1980s called 'Diavoletto', which means 'Little Devil', is printed inside the jersey with an inscription that reads 'AC Milan 125.'

Image

Back in December 2023, AC Milan invited some of its loyal supporters to the 'Design our Jersey. Design our Legacy' campaign. The key elements from AC Milan's long pages of history were chosen by the loyal supporters to be designed in the jersey. Only 1899 shirts each for a goalkeeper jersey, a football, and a limited edition retro jersey will be available to be purchased by fans. These shirts will also feature a unique serial number and receive an exclusive packaging. This is a tribute to the club's founding year, 1899. 

Franco Baresi, AC Milan's Honorary Vice President expressed his emotions about the special jersey:

This jersey is a reflection of AC Milan’s soul - its passion, its history, and the vision for its future. As someone who has proudly represented this Club for 50 years in many different roles, this milestone represents a moment of celebration and unity for the entire Rossoneri family. The 125th Anniversary is a testament to the values and spirit that make AC Milan extraordinary, and this kit is a beautiful way to honour our journey while celebrating the unwavering bond with our fans.

On behalf of PUMA, Marco Mueller, PUMA’s Senior Director of Product Line Management Teamsport said:

The 125th Anniversary kit is not only a celebration of AC Milan’s past but also a tribute to the unwavering passion of its fans. We’re honored to have worked with the Rossoneri faithful to create something that’s not only a piece of football history but also designed for performance and pride.

The 125th-anniversary kit was officially unveiled yesterday in Milan in an exclusive event at the club’s Flagship Store in Via Dante. This special kit will make its exciting on-field debut on December 8 when AC Milan Women will take on Inter Milan in the Milan Derby, followed by the men's team facing Genoa on December 15 at the San Siro Stadium. 

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Paul Pogba terminates contract with Juventus after mutual agreement

Paul Pogba and Juventus have parted ways following a mutual agreement. The club and the player announced the contract termination on Friday despite Pogba's doping ban reduction.

(Image Credit | Football Italia)

Paul Pogba and Juventus have mutually agreed to part ways amid doping ban as the club announced on Friday via an official statement. The Turin-based club terminated the player's contract despite his ban being cut down to 18 months by CAS in October 2024.

The Serie A giants Juventus have stated in the official club statement:

"Juventus Football Club and Paul Pogba announce that they have reached a mutual agreement for the termination of their contract as of 30 November, 2024.
The club wishes Paul the very best for his professional future."

Paul Pogba confirmed his departure from the club via Instagram and expressed his gratitude to Juventus fans.

However, Pogba becomes a free agent and will be available in the winter transfer window in January 2025. 

Pogba's doping ban

Paul Pogba terminates contract with Juventus after mutual agreement-sportzpoint.com

Paul Pogba made his long-awaited return to Juventus in 2022 but he has not played for the Bianconeri since September 2023. In August 2023, Pogba was tested positive for DHEA which is a banned substance. According to Journalist Julien Laurens, Paul Pogba admitted to Juventus that he took some food supplements not knowing they contained testosterone which led to his positive drug test. 

However, Italy's anti-doping court sanctioned Pogba with a four-year ban for doping in September 2023, and the decision was announced this year in February. Pogba appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) against the punishment stating that the verdict was incorrect. CAS reduced Pogba's ban to 18 months from four years as the 31-year-old Frenchman was able to prove that the consumption of testosterone was not intentional. Pogba stated afterwards:

"I always stated that I never knowingly breached World Anti-Doping Agency regulations when I took a nutritional supplement prescribed to me by a doctor, which does not affect or enhance the performance of male athletes, 

"I play with integrity, and although I must accept that this is a strict liability offence, I want to place on record my thanks to the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s judges who heard my explanation."

However, Pogba is eligible to play from March 2025 after receiving the punishment reduction.

The following incidents

According to a report by Fabrizio Romano on 7 October 2024, both parties would agree on a contract termination. Pogba's high salary of €10m per season also caused financial worries for the Turin club and his fitness issues would have taken time to recover. 

The reports have come true and now Pogba has become a free agent and will be available in the winter transfer window. Paul Pogba is training in Miami to regain his fitness and be ready for his next club. It will be exciting to see which club pursues the French midfielder who will be available to train with his new club from January and play from March 2025.

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AS Roma appoints Claudio Ranieri as new head coach

Claudio Ranieri arrived in Rome this morning to complete his agreement with AS Roma. The 73-year-old veteran comes out of retirement for his third stint as Roma head coach.

This photo is from 2019 when Ranieri was appointed as technical manager of AS Roma. (Image Credit | As Roma on X)

AS Roma have reached an agreement to appoint Claudio Ranieri as the new head coach. The legendary PL-winning manager of Leicester City announced his retirement earlier this year in May after leaving his position at his last club Cagliari. However, Ranieri will take up the charge to be Roma's next manager as AS Roma fired Ivan Juric on 10 November 2024.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio and Florian Plettenberg of SkySports, the 73-year-old veteran manager completed the verbal agreement for a contract until the end of the season yesterday.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Ranieri arrived at the club this morning and signed all the formal documents for his appointment as Roma coach for the third time in his career. 

Ranieri himself confirmed his appointment after he met the AS Roma president Dan Freidkin and vice president Ryan Friedkin in London on Wednesday. He jokingly told the press on his way back:

"[Roma’s] a tough nut to crack? That’s why they called me!"

"We’re all set—the good guys are coming!"

via Ansa

An official announcement is expected from AS Roma today as Ranieri is all set for this return at his beloved club for the third time as the manager. 

The Scenario

The legendary Jose Mourinho was sacked by AS Roma in January this year. However, Roma legend Daniele De Rossi was appointed as the next head coach for the Giallorossi. Roma finished 6th in Serie A last season under De Rossi but he was eventually fired from his position in September 2024 after going winless in the first 4 matches of Serie A 2024-25. 

Following De Rossi's departure, the fans expressed their anger about the decision and Roma CEO Lina Souloukou stepped down. Former Torino coach Ivan Juric was appointed as De Rossi's successor but Roma's worst start in the Serie A in over two decades led to his sacking on 10 November 2024. 

AS Roma is currently facing a very difficult situation as they are 12th in this season's Serie A League table as of now, having earned 13 points from 12 matches. 

Ranieri's sensational return to Roma

Although Claudio Ranieri is mostly known for Leicester City's folkloric 2015-16 Premier League-winning journey under his managership, the 73-year-old Italian shares a close bond with Italian football, especially with AS Roma.

AS Roma appoints Claudio Ranieri as the new head coach-sportzpoint.com
Ranieri kissing the historic Premier League trophy won by his Leicester side in 2016.

Ranieri announced his retirement from his managerial career after leaving Cagliari in May 2024 this year but now he has returned to his hometown to take up the mantle. Ranieri's third stint with AS Roma begins tomorrow with a first training session. Rome, where Ranieri was born and played for Roma later, has also managed Roma in two different spells before.

Ranieri was appointed as Roma's manager in September 2009 and concluded his first stint in February 2011. His second stint was from March to June 2019.

However, according to Gazzetta, Ranieri will leave the position at the end of this season and he will join AS Roma's technical board. But as of now, AS Roma will look to get back on track with their old guard back in the business. 

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Real Madrid vs AC Milan UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Highlights | Milan thrash Madrid by 3-1 to revive themselves

Catch the highlights of the Real Madrid vs AC Milan football match in the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 season at Santiago Bernabeu as AC Milan thrashed Real Madrid by 1-3.

Koushik Biswas

Nov 5, 2024, 3:57 PM

Real Madrid vs AC Milan UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Highlights | Milan thrash Madrid by 3-1 to revive themselves

Hello and welcome to another UEFA Champions League night. Tonight, we will cover one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season as Real Madrid host AC Milan at their iconic Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid.

Both Real Madrid and AC Milan are one of the two most successful teams in the tournament history. However, the defending champion Madrid along with Milan have not been able to get the perfect start for the tournament this season.

Read Also | UEFA Champions League 2024-25 | Real Madrid vs AC Milan | Match Preview, Head-to-head, Possible Lineups and Fantasy XI Prediction

Real Madrid with six points after three games are currently in number 12th position whereas Milan with only 1 point after three games currently in number 25th position on the points table.

With both teams looking for a win we hope for an exciting game tonight. So sit back and relax as Koushik Biwas brings you the buildup, news, images, live scores, news and updates of the Real Madrid vs AC Milan match from our webdesk.

LIVE Updates
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UEFA Champions League 2024-25 | Real Madrid vs AC Milan | Match Preview, Head-to-head, Possible Lineups and Fantasy XI Prediction

Read the full match preview, head-to-head stats, possible starting lineups, and Fantasy XI Prediction of Real Madrid vs AC Milan UEFA Champions League 2024-25 league match at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, Spain on 6 November 2024.

Brahim Diaz against Ac Milan in the pre-season friendly. (Image Credit | Managing Madrid)

The defending champions Real Madrid are back in the UCL and they will face AC Milan in the league match of the fourth match-week of the UEFA Champions League 2024-25. Real Madrid is set to welcome their Italian opponents in the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on 6 November 2024. The Los Blancos made a classic comeback against Borussia Dortmund in their last UCL outing, whereas the Rossoneris had their first win of UCL 2024-25 by 3-1 against Club Brugge in their last match.

From possible starting XIs to Fantasy predictions, here is everything you need to know about the League match of Real Madrid vs AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League 2024-25

Match Details 

Match: Real Madrid vs AC Milan - UEFA Champions League 2024-25 League Match

Date:  6 November 2024

Time: 1:30 AM IST

Venue: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid, Spain 

UEFA Champions League 2024-25 | Real Madrid vs AC Milan | Match Preview, Head-to-head, Possible Lineups and Fantasy XI Prediction-sportzpoint.com

How to watch the UEFA Champions League 2024-25 League Match between Real Madrid and AC Milan

The match will be streamed Live on the Sony Liv app and website. Viewers can also watch the game live on TV on Sony Sports Network. 

Team News

Real Madrid

UEFA Champions League 2024-25 | Real Madrid vs AC Milan | Match Preview, Head-to-head, Possible Lineups and Fantasy XI Prediction-sportzpoint.com
Vini Jr. after scoring hat-trick against Dortmund. (Image Courtesy | RTVE.es)

Real Madrid may have faced a distressing 0-4 defeat against FC Barcelona in their last match in LaLiga 2024-25, but on a Champions League night, the Los Blancos are a different gravy. In the third match-week of the UEFA Champions League 2024-25, Real Madrid made a stunning comeback to beat Borussia Dortmund by 5-2 after trailing by 0-2 at the break. Vinicius Jr. netted a marvelous hat-trick.

However, Madrid's last outing against Valencia CF in the LaLiga has been postponed due to the flood in Spain that killed more than 200 people. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has expressed his concern in the press conference ahead of the UCL match against Milan.

Real Madrid started their UCL campaign with a 3-1 win over VfB Stuttgart but in the second match-week, the defending champions faced a shocking 0-1 defeat against French side LOSC Lille. However, after crushing Dortmund by 5-2, Madrid is now in the 12th position in the league table with 6 points in 3 matches.

Ancelotti will have a reinforcing boost for the attacking line-up against his former club as Rodrygo has fully recovered from a hamstring injury, and he is expected to start against AC Milan. However, Thibaut Courtois, Dani Carvajal, and David Alaba are still out due to long-term injuries.

The team may face some changes in the starting line-up as Ancelotti may bring Luka Modric back in the starting eleven, and the Rodrygo-Mbappe-Vini trident will make a start. The defending champions will look for their third win against AC Milan to progress further in the league table and enter the top 8. 

Last 5 Matches: W W W W L

Read Also | UEFA Champions League 2024-25 league phase match week 3 roundup

AC Milan

UEFA Champions League 2024-25 | Real Madrid vs AC Milan | Match Preview, Head-to-head, Possible Lineups and Fantasy XI Prediction-sportzpoint.com
AC Milan against Monza last week. (Image Credit | The AC Milan Offside)

AC Milan faced a trembling start both in the UEFA Champions League and the Serie A and currently they are struggling with Injuries and performances. The Rossoneris clinched their first UCL win this season in the last match-week against Club Brugge by 3-1. However, they lost their first two matches against Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen by 1-3 and 0-1 respectively.

AC Milan is also struggling in the Serie A although they won their last match against Monza by 1-0 last week. Currently, they are 7th in the Serie A but 25th in the UCL League table with only 3 points 3 matches.

Milan coach Paulo Fonseca is under enormous pressure as his team is struggling to deliver results and he will leave no stone unturned to stabilize his position. However, he will have to assemble the squad without Matteo Gabbia who is out due to muscular injuries along with Ismael Benaccer, Luka Jovic, and Alessandro Florenzi who are out due to long-term injuries.

Theo Hernandez will surely start in defence against his former club along with Thiaw and Tomori. Tammy Abraham returned to the team against Monza after recovering from injuries but Alvaro Morata is expected to start. Rafael Leão is reportedly looking for an exit from Milan due to his feud with Fonseca but he is expected to be a starter against Real Madrid.

AC Milan will hunt for their second UCL win of the season and enter the play-off positions.

Last 5 Matches: L W W L W 

Head-to-head (in UCL)

Matches played: 15

Real Madrid Wins: 6

AC Milan Wins: 6

Draws: 3

Possible Playing XI

Real Madrid

Andriy Lunin (GK); Lucas Vazquez, Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy; Federico Valverde, Luka Modric, Jude Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappe.

AC Milan 

Mike Maignan (GK), Emerson Royal, Malick Thiaw, Fikayo Tomori, Theo Hernandez, Youssouf Fofana, Tijjani Reijnders, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Christian Pulisic, Alvaro Morata, Rafael Leão

Real Madrid and AC Milan: Fantasy XI Prediction

Maignan, Rudiger, Militao, Theo, Valverde, Bellingham, Reijnders, Loftus-Cheek, Leão, Mbappe, Vinicius.

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