Following AC Milan head coach Vincenzo Montella, once nicknamed the “Little Airplane” during his playing days in Rome, now finds himself leading a Rossoneri side chasing glory. Next week’s marquee clash sees Milan travel to face Roma, with both teams level on points and four behind Juventus. The difference between finishing second and third in Serie A is significant—one earns direct entry into the Champions League, while the other faces the uncertainty of qualification rounds. For football fans following these developments closely on Cricket Exchange, the battle for Italy’s top three has become one of the most intense races of the season.

In an interview with national television, Montella’s confidence shone through. He has worked wonders with a Milan side that began the season with limited resources, guiding them into contention against wealthier rivals. “We only need to focus on ourselves, not hope our opponents slip up,” Montella explained. “Yes, we must improve and raise our level, but we have the ambition and the goals to succeed. Finishing in the top three? Look at Napoli and Fiorentina, and don’t forget Inter and surprise packages like Atalanta. The challengers are many, but the key lies with us. We hold our own destiny.” His words reflected the competitive spirit Milan have rediscovered this season.

Interestingly, Montella avoided mentioning Lazio, a team also in the race, perhaps hinting at lingering derby emotions from his Roma days. Yet despite his Roman ties, Montella reminded everyone of his childhood admiration for AC Milan. “When I was young, I loved watching Marco van Basten’s brilliant goals. I dreamed of playing for AC Milan one day. Now I am here as a coach, which is very different. I must think about many things: observing training, understanding the players’ mentality, and recognizing their moods. A player’s mindset is crucial. When I played, I often clashed with coaches, so now I understand the frustration of substitutes who don’t get minutes. Being a coach is much harder than being a player—you need more than football knowledge, you must also act like an older brother to guide your team.”

Montella’s approach stands in sharp contrast to his predecessor Sinisa Mihajlovic, who publicly complained about Silvio Berlusconi’s interference in tactics, particularly being pushed to use two strikers. Montella, however, has steered clear of such disputes, focusing instead on tactical flexibility between 4-4-2 and 4-3-3 systems. His diplomatic answers may seem sly, but they have brought harmony to a squad that badly needed stability.

For Milan supporters, the prospect of returning to the Champions League after years of disappointment is a powerful motivation. The Rossoneri’s resurgence under Montella has been one of the surprises of the season, blending youthful talent with tactical discipline. And for fans around the world tracking every twist through Cricket Exchange, Milan’s push for a top-three finish is more than just a goal—it is a chance to restore the club’s proud legacy on the European stage. If Montella’s words are any indication, AC Milan are ready to fight tooth and nail to ensure that Champions League football returns to the San Siro.