Always ready to put moves together, to dictate the tempo, to contain, to give chase and adjust at the right moment: AC Milan's midfielders flawlessly represented the spirit of a highly consistent and adaptable team, always providing the strength and balance needed for a great Scudetto triumph.
16 Rossoneri scored at least one goal in the league this season: each one of them contributed to winning the title, each one of them became a striker for at least one night. In a season in which each point was worth its weight in gold, every goal was like a small piece of treasure.
A Scudetto built on the ethos of strong defence: the boys have been solid, well-prepared, alert and compact, and have overcome injuries and other difficulties. 18 clean sheets from 38, an extraordinary defensive record and this title will be remembered as the "Defenders' Scudetto"
A journey through time as we relive the history of the Rossoneri's league titles right up to the trophy lift at the Mapei Stadium. Among all of this Club's glorious triumphs, the month of May isn't like all the others. It's the month of titles, in which every date hearkens to an unforgettable memory.
From Oliver to Olivier, from Bierhoff to Giroud: two great centre-forwards with the ability to leave their mark in Rossoneri history and the fans breathless, reaching unthinkable heights amid Scudetto dreams and broken curses.
Just like the Tagus river, which passes through Almada, Rafa Leão glides over the ground and slaloms towards the opposition penalty area with the ball at his feet, moving effortlessly with that signature smile: the story of the Portuguese’s growth, between decisive goals and wondrous close calls.
Always alert, always ready, Pierre Kalulu unites the qualities of a seasoned centre-back with the potential of a young player, born in 2000. In spite of his age, his destiny has never been in doubt and his nickname "Pierino" exemplifies the extent of the fan’s support for him.
Amid the ups and downs of his career, Sulley Muntari left his mark in the Rossoneri shirt, in a spell with the Club replete with loyalty and passion. The famous 'Muntari goal' then marked history by starting a cycle that affected not only sport but technology as well.
He is a figure that is difficult to forget as his quality saw him flourish during his stint with the Rossoneri, however brief it was. Vikash Dhorasoo’s stay at AC Milan was a flying visit but an unforgettable dream for our French former player.
Beyond the mark of his past, beyond the telling of his fairytale rise, Junior Messias has presented himself for the footballer that he really is: intensity and perfectionism. He is a sportsman, who wants to give his all in order to achieve his best, and 2022 is his stage.
Getting sent off can often bring emotions of bewilderment and confusion but, sometimes, that initial dismay can give way to joy at a win. Here are three occasions, in which the Rossoneri were able to overcome such adversity
The Baron Nils Liedholm played a big role first as a player and then as a scout once he had hung up his boots. He passed away in 2007 but his memory lives on in the hearts of AC Milan fans: the story as told by his son Carlo.
The first Japanese player at AC Milan, with a unique style bolstered by professionalism, discipline and few words: the story of Keisuke Honda on and off the pitch – an atypical number 10 who knew how to light up San Siro.
The story that links Yoann Gourcuff to AC Milan is neither simple nor linear, and of what could have become a chaotic love story now remains solely as a memory, one touched upon but never made real.
A true Roman at heart, it wasn’t easy for Alessandro Florenzi to leave his family and make the switch north to Milan. Yet his story knows no bounds and giving up is, for him, never an option, so much so that he turned up and won against José Mourinho’s Giallorossi on a cold Milanese evening.
Many languages and cultures flow through Brahim Díaz’s veins, his heart beat sto the drums of both Morocco and Malaga, united in his undying love for family and football.
When making it to the first team seems to be a mirage, that promised land is often perceived as a distant dream. Though, in some cases, dreams can become reality, as has been the case for many youngsters – both Italian and foreign – such as Pierre Kalulu and Alessandro Plizzari.
This family lives and breathes AC Milan, so much so that this Club is almost a part of their DNA. Though, in the modern era, this might refer to the Maldini dynasty, back in the 1980s such words could only ever be linked to Aldo, Gino and Attilio: the Maldera family.
You never change your club: this is a rule set in stone for any football supporter. The Rossoneri fans are no exception as their hearts exude love and faith in AC Milan.
The two clubs have a colour in common - a red stripe unites AC Milan and Bologna, Milanello and the Dall’Ara, Rossoneri and Rossoblù - just as they do the various players and coaches that have spent time in either city in their careers.
The Rossoneri's campaign in the 1999 championship, which culminated in the scudetto win under the guidance of Zaccheroni; the season recounted by the man who played a lead-role: Maurizio Ganz.
The footballing history between AC Milan and Liverpool is something quite unique that doesn’t follow any script. There is never a dull moment in these games that are impossible to predict and which always keep us on the edge of our seats. Past games tell of this story and the present repeats it with the Rossoneri coming up against the Reds in their historic return to the Champions League.
From the bench onto the pitch in the blink of an eye, Tătăruşanu was ready just like that. Like so many of those who were once in his shoes, as second-string keeper, he was called up without warning to start between the sticks. In addition to this was the unspoken task of needing to put on a good performance and exceed expectation, something which he did, with that save from Lautaro's penalty in the derby della Madonnina.
Cafu’s unique and extraordinary play didn’t give to AC Milan only breakthroughs the wing, crosses and lobs. The Brazilian Pendolino, thanks to his iconic smile, brought to the pitch contagious positive vibes for his teammates and fans.
AC Milan star Franco Baresi, from his nickname recalling Beckenbauer until the legend was born, passed the test of times over decades and generations, earning the moniker “poet of football pitches”.
Just like any magnum opus, Giroud's career has not been easy or built overnight. It has taken time, dedication and a thick skin. Step by step, from Grenoble to the French national team, from the North London derby to the Milan derby.
In addition to his sporting prestige, what distinguishes Mr Pioli are his values, his style dictated by loyalty, fairness and integrity. It was precisely these qualities that led him to winning the Liedholm Award, which places Stefano Pioli in the history books alongside some of the great Milanese sportsmen who have already won the award in memory of the 'Barone'.
Love for the city, as well as for the Rossoneri shirt: experiencing Milan is a matter that goes beyond football. There are so many places in Milan that tell the story of the club's history which has stretched over more than 100 years.
The long lockdown months brought big changes to the world of football too. Fans were unable to attend, as a result of which empty stadiums and deafending silences became the new normal. Now, the energy of the crowd has returned, with the fans' irreplaceable enthusiasm ensuring that stadiums are rocking once again.
From the moment Federico Giunti was called upon to take control of Milan's Primavera, he has carried out his task with dedication and great care, even in the darkest moments – like the relegation suffered in May 2019 – he was able to lead the squad back into the light.
