Venezia vs. AC Milan | Serie A | Pre Match
Venezia vs. AC Milan
Riding the crest of a wave after their exhilarating midweek triumph in the Coppa Italia semi-final, AC Milan head to the Stadio Penzo on Sunday to face relegation-threatened Venezia, aiming to harness their derby-fueled momentum and bolster their faltering Serie A campaign. The Rossoneri’s emphatic 3-0 victory over arch-rivals Inter Milan in the second leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final, culminating in a 4-1 aggregate success, not only secured their place in the final against Bologna but also marked a high point in an otherwise inconsistent season under manager Sergio Conceição. Despite their ninth-place standing in Serie A, Milan’s midweek performance, spearheaded by the inspired Luka Jovic and capped by Tijjani Reijnders’ clinical finishing, showcased the potential within a squad that has struggled to find its rhythm in the league. For Venezia, the stakes are equally high but in a starkly different context, as Eusebio Di Francesco’s side cling to hopes of avoiding an immediate return to Serie B. Having clawed their way back from the brink of relegation with a resilient run of form, the Arancioneroverdi are just one point from safety, making this clash against Milan a pivotal moment in their fight for survival. The contrast between Milan’s European ambitions and Venezia’s desperate bid to remain in the top flight sets the stage for a compelling encounter, with both teams acutely aware that a single result could shape the trajectory of their respective seasons.
Milan’s journey to the Coppa Italia final has been a beacon of light in a season otherwise clouded by disappointment in Serie A. The 3-0 demolition of Inter Milan at the San Siro was a masterclass in tactical execution, with Conceição’s 3-4-3 formation unlocking the Nerazzurri’s defense and allowing players like Jovic and Reijnders to shine. The victory was particularly significant given Milan’s unbeaten record against Inter this season, a feat that includes a Supercoppa final triumph earlier in the campaign. However, the euphoria of their midweek success is tempered by the reality of their league position, as Milan languish in ninth, five points behind eighth-placed Fiorentina and effectively out of contention for Champions League qualification. Last week’s defeat to Atalanta, their fourth loss in five meetings with the Bergamo side, was a stark reminder of the inconsistencies that have plagued Conceição’s tenure. Rumors of the Portuguese manager’s potential departure in June, despite his Supercoppa success, have added an air of uncertainty to the club’s future, with a summertime overhaul looming. For now, Milan’s focus is on maintaining momentum ahead of the Coppa Italia final next month, and a victory against Venezia would provide a much-needed boost as they seek to salvage pride and potentially secure a European berth through the cup.
Venezia, meanwhile, are engaged in a battle of a different kind, as they fight tooth and nail to extend their Serie A stay beyond a single season. Written off as relegation certainties in February, Eusebio Di Francesco’s men have defied expectations with a remarkable resurgence, losing just one of their last eight matches and moving within touching distance of safety. Their recent 2-2 draw against Empoli, while frustrating given their propensity to squander leads—having dropped a league-high 28 points from winning positions—underscored their newfound resilience. The victory over rock-bottom Monza prior to that result ended a 14-game winless streak, injecting belief into a squad that has relied on grit and determination to keep their survival hopes alive. With five games remaining, Venezia’s fate remains in their hands, but their historical struggles against Milan, including a 4-0 thrashing at the San Siro in September, cast a shadow over their prospects. Having conceded 13 goals in their last four meetings with the Rossoneri, Venezia face a daunting challenge, but their recent form and the passionate backing of their home fans at the Stadio Penzo could provide the impetus needed to pull off an upset.
Tactically, Milan appear to have found a formula that suits their squad, with Conceição’s 3-4-3 formation proving effective in unlocking opposition defenses while providing defensive stability. The midweek win over Inter highlighted the system’s strengths, with wing-backs and midfielders combining seamlessly to create overloads in attack. However, injuries and fatigue could force Conceição to make adjustments against Venezia. Matteo Gabbia’s neck injury, which saw him substituted in the second half against Inter, puts Malick Thiaw on standby to slot into the back three, while up top, Tammy Abraham and the recently recovered Santiago Gimenez are vying to replace Jovic, who carried a heavy workload in the derby. The absence of Emerson Royal remains Milan’s only long-term concern, with Kyle Walker’s return to full training providing a timely boost at right-back. The depth and versatility within Milan’s squad give Conceição options, but maintaining the intensity displayed against Inter will be crucial against a Venezia side that has shown a knack for frustrating opponents, particularly at home.
Venezia, for their part, are grappling with significant absences that could hamper their efforts to compete with Milan’s firepower. The loss of first-choice goalkeeper Filip Stankovic, on loan from Inter, is a particular blow, though deputy Andrei Radu has acquitted himself well in recent weeks. Radu, ironically, played a role in Milan’s Scudetto triumph over Inter in 2022 during his time with the Nerazzurri, and his experience could prove vital in keeping Milan’s attackers at bay. Defenders Richie Sagrado and Michael Svoboda are also sidelined, leaving Di Francesco with limited options at the back. The return of Daniel Fila from suspension provides a boost in attack, where he will compete with Christian Gytkjaer and Mirko Maric for a starting berth. Di Francesco’s tactical approach, which has leaned on a compact defensive structure and quick transitions, will need to be executed flawlessly to counter Milan’s attacking threats, particularly Reijnders, whose goal-scoring form has made him a linchpin in Conceição’s system.
The broader context of this fixture adds layers of intrigue, as both teams are at critical junctures in their seasons. For Milan, the Coppa Italia final looms as a chance to salvage a campaign that has fallen short of expectations, offering a direct route to European competition next season. A strong finish in Serie A, starting with a win against Venezia, would provide momentum heading into the final and potentially silence critics of Conceição’s tenure. The manager’s future remains uncertain, with speculation about a summer departure casting a shadow over his achievements, but his ability to galvanize the squad for high-stakes matches, as evidenced by the Inter victory, suggests he retains the backing of his players. For Venezia, the match represents a microcosm of their survival fight, a test of their ability to compete against elite opposition while managing their injury crisis. The Stadio Penzo, with its unique island setting and passionate atmosphere, has been a source of inspiration for the Lagunari, and a positive result against Milan could propel them out of the relegation zone, bolstering their belief in a great escape.
As the two sides prepare to clash, the contrast between Milan’s pedigree and Venezia’s underdog spirit promises a fascinating encounter. Milan’s superior quality and recent form make them favorites, but Venezia’s tenacity and home advantage ensure that an upset is not beyond the realm of possibility. The Rossoneri’s ability to translate their Coppa Italia heroics into Serie A consistency will be put to the test, while Venezia’s survival hopes hinge on their ability to defy the odds once more. With the Coppa Italia final and the specter of relegation looming large, Sunday’s match at the Stadio Penzo is more than just a routine league fixture—it is a battle for pride, momentum, and the chance to shape the narrative of a season that remains in the balance for both clubs.
