AC Milan owner Gerry Cardinale is set to return to San Siro for tomorrow’s match against Venezia, seeking positive signs from the team ahead of crucial Champions League and derby fixtures. The pressure is mounting on manager Paulo Fonseca, who faces a critical test in what could be described as a “Cardinale exam.”
La Gazzetta dello Sport report that Fonseca cannot afford to falter, as the owner’s presence is meant to be supportive, but a negative result could lead to another round of discussions similar to those held after the defeat to Parma. The manager is expected to field yet another new lineup – the fourth different version in as many matches – in hopes of finally unlocking the team’s potential and improving their league position.
The spotlight will also be on star players Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao, who return to San Siro following a controversial incident during the Lazio match. In front of the home fans and the owner, they must be the catalysts for a change in momentum. Their speed and skill have the power to dictate the team’s rhythm – when they push, the team advances; when they slow down, Milan inevitably stalls.
The defence will need to prove itself capable of containing opponents, starting with Venezia. There’s also anticipation surrounding Tammy Abraham’s first start for the club.
Cardinale’s visit extends beyond the match itself. Today, Milan and Inter representatives will meet with the city’s mayor to discuss the ongoing stadium issue. Cardinale has ambitious plans for a cutting-edge new stadium to replace the aging San Siro, though the project has faced political hurdles.
The American owner has emphasized RedBird’s commitment to improving the team’s performance both on and off the pitch. He views sport as more than just an investment opportunity, stating, “The problem with private equity is that they are asset managers. They just want to buy. Investors bring liquidity, but there’s a better way to do it.”
Cardinale points to Milan’s first profit in 17 years as evidence of progress, but understands that success on the field is paramount. As the team enters a crucial stretch of matches, including their Champions League debut against Liverpool and the season’s first Milan derby, all eyes will be on Fonseca, Theo, Leao, and the rest of the squad to deliver the results their owner demands.
