Thousands of Milan supporters joined ultras from the Curva Sud before kick-off against Venezia in Serie A on Saturday evening in a show of suspended support for Paulo Fonseca’s team. Fans congregated en masse to welcome the team bus into the Stadio Meazza. It was a part show of support, part protest given the team’s rocky start to the league season. The Rossoneri have not yet won in the league in 2024-25 following 2-2 draws against Torino and Lazio and the 2-1 loss to Parma sandwiched in between. Ultras held up a banner which read: “Enough excuses, last call,” while cheers and chants rang out from the large crowds. The Milan bus carrying the squad and coaching staff ground to a slow stop to watch and listen to the fans before kick-off.
The Curva Sud’s Warning
The Curva Sud Milano, a group of fervent AC Milan supporters, have issued a blunt warning to the club, demanding immediate improvement in performance after a disheartening start to the season. The ultras, known for their passionate displays and unwavering commitment to the Rossoneri, are clearly not impressed with the team’s recent results. Their message, conveyed through a powerful statement released on social media, echoes the growing discontent among the fanbase.
The statement, issued on the eve of a crucial match against Venezia, unequivocally outlines the Curva Sud’s concerns. They expressed their disappointment at the team’s “embarrassing spectacle” in the first three games of the season, comparing the start to the season to the “end of the season just gone by.” The message also underscores that there are “no more excuses” for the team’s underperformance. Each player and member of the coaching staff must be held accountable for their contribution, according to the Curva Sud. The statement also highlights the urgency of the situation, stating that September represents a “decisive crossroads” for the season. It’s a clear call to action, a demand for a dramatic shift in the team’s fortunes.
A Rallying Cry for Rossoneri Supporters
In a bid to make their message resonate even louder, the Curva Sud has urged all AC Milan fans to join them in a show of solidarity before the Venezia game. The fans are invited to gather in front of the bus entrance ramp at 6:45 pm, to make their feelings known to the club, the coaching staff, and the players. The Curva Sud’s rallying cry is a testament to the passion and dedication of the Milan faithful. They’re demanding change, a fightback, and a return to the winning ways that are synonymous with the Rossoneri’s storied history. It remains to be seen how Fonseca and his players will respond to this powerful statement, but one thing is clear – the pressure is on.
A Season of Disappointment
The calls for a change in fortune at Milan are understandable. After an impressive preseason in which they defeated the likes of Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, Milan’s competitive season has fallen short of expectations. Their opening three matches have yielded a string of draws and defeats, with their only points coming from two draws against Torino and Lazio, both of which they had to come from behind to salvage. The only win of the season came against newly promoted Parma, who were beaten 2-1 away from home. The lackluster performances have left fans feeling dejected and questioning the team’s direction.
Fonseca, appointed as the new manager in the summer, has been tasked with leading Milan back to the top of Italian football. However, his early days in charge have been marked by uncertainty, leaving fans to wonder if he can truly deliver on the club’s ambitions. The pressure on Fonseca is palpable, amplified by the Curva Sud’s statement. He needs to find a way to turn the team’s fortunes around quickly. The upcoming matches, including a Champions League tie against Liverpool and a high-stakes Serie A clash against Inter, will be crucial tests of his managerial abilities.
The Curva Sud’s Influence
The Curva Sud’s influence on the club’s decision-making is a recurring theme in the world of Italian football. These ultra groups are deeply embedded in the fabric of Italian clubs, often wielding considerable power over the club’s choices, from coach appointments to transfers. This influence can sometimes be positive, providing a voice for the fans and pushing the club in a more supportive direction. But it can also be detrimental, as illustrated by the ongoing tension between the Curva Sud and the AC Milan management. While the Curva Sud’s latest ultimatum may be seen as a desperate plea for a return to glory, it also raises questions about the appropriate level of influence fans should have on a professional sports organization.
Looking Ahead: A Crucial Crossroads
The Curva Sud’s bold declaration has set the stage for a crucial period for AC Milan. The club and the fans are at a crossroads, and the next few weeks will be crucial in determining their future. Fonseca has a lot of work to do if he wants to appease the frustrated fanbase and steer the team back towards success. The players, too, must rise to the challenge and deliver performances worthy of the club’s illustrious history. The Rossoneri faithful, fueled by the passionate calls of the Curva Sud, will be watching closely, ready to roar with approval or unleash their displeasure. For the Rossoneri, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, but it is also an opportunity for a resurgence. The question is, will they be able to rise to the occasion and meet the expectations of their passionate fans?
