AC Milan finds itself in a precarious situation after a frustrating draw against Genoa at San Siro, further complicating the already shaky position of head coach Paulo Fonseca and his squad. The Rossoneri invested over 70 million euros in the last transfer window and rank third in Serie A in player salaries, behind Inter and Juventus. However, their current eighth-place position and premature exit from the Scudetto race are severe blows to the club. The increasingly likely scenario of missing out on Champions League qualification next season is turning into a nightmare. Fonseca raised eyebrows when he confidently, perhaps arrogantly, declared winning the Scudetto as Milan’s goal during his introductory press conference.🇪🇸 Xavi Hernandez🇮🇹 Max Allegri🇮🇹 Roberto Mancini🇮🇹 Maurizio Sarri👀 Sources are beginning to name potential Fonseca replacements – who would you like to see? pic.twitter.com/ozX9wsaaJU— SempreMilan (@SempreMilanCom) December 19, 2024 Five months later, the Portuguese coach is fighting to stay in charge of last season’s Serie A runners-up. While Verona has not been Milan’s “fatal Verona” for years, tonight’s clash could be pivotal for Fonseca. The coach insists he is not at risk of losing his job and has urged the Rossoneri faithful for trust, claiming that six points from the next two matches (Verona and Roma) could reignite their chase for a Champions League spot. Milan’s inconsistency in results and performances is a glaring issue. An average of 1.53 points per game won’t secure even a Europa Conference League spot, let alone Champions League qualification.AC Milan set to tie their Reijn-manTonight’s game won’t be easy. Verona’s players recently showed their commitment to coach Paolo Zanetti with a victory over Parma, despite his job being under threat after a heavy loss to Empoli. That win boosted Verona’s morale, even though they will miss Harroui, their key midfielder whose absence was evident against Parma. Harroui’s assists contributed to two of Verona’s three goals in that match. Milan continues to deal with numerous injuries and out-of-form players. Vice-captain Theo Hernández will again start on the bench, while the squad is without Morata, Okafor, Loftus-Cheek, Musah, Pulisic, Jović, Bennacer, and Florenzi. On the brighter side, Pulisic, Bennacer, and Jović are expected to return in time for the Roma match and the Italian Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.After Leao, Fonseca is not happy with TheoA notable tactical change will see Reijnders assume the role of an attacking playmaker, filling in for the injured Pulisic, Loftus-Cheek, and Morata, playing behind Abraham or Camarda. Historically, Verona hasn’t been a threat to Milan in recent years. The Rossoneri have won their last seven meetings with Verona, including five consecutive victories at the Bentegodi. If Milan wins tonight, they will set a record as the only Serie A club to defeat Verona six times in a row on their home turf. Curiously, Verona has conceded at least one goal in their last 13 Serie A matches, the longest streak of its kind this season. On the other hand, Milan is enduring its worst league start since 2019, with just six wins in 15 games. Rafael Leão has scored all three of his Serie A goals this season in away matches. He has netted three times against Verona, trailing only his tallies against Cagliari, Lecce, and Fiorentina.SERIE A MATCHDAY 17Friday22:45: (5.80) Verona (3.80) Milan (1.62)Saturday17:00: (3.25) Torino (3.15) Bologna (2.50)19:00: (5.30) Genoa (3.75) Napoli (1.75)22:45: (5.00) Lecce (3.50) Lazio (1.75)Sunday14:30: (1.55) Roma (4.10) Parma (6.00)17:00: (2.55) Venezia (3.45) Cagliari (2.90)20:00: (1.28) Atalanta (5.40) Empoli (12.0)22:45: (5.80) Monza (3.50) Juventus (1.67)20:30: (1.63) Fiorentina (4.00) Udinese (6.00)22:45: (1.23) Inter (6.25) Como (13.0)***odds are subject to change***
