Full Breakdown
AC Milan’s Late-Season Collapse and the Fallout Over Paolo Maldini’s Dismissal
5/11/2026, 10:15:21 PM
3 May 2026: Atalanta Comeback at San Siro
On 3 May 2026 AC Milan hosted Atalanta at the San Siro. Atalanta led 3-0 after half-time through goals by Éderson, Nikola Krstovic and Giacomo Raspadori. Milan responded with a Strahinja Pavlovic header (88´) and a Christopher Nkunku penalty, narrowing the margin to 3-2 before injury time. The match ended in a 3-2 defeat as the stadium emptied and supporters staged a protest outside the executive stand.
Recent History and Key Personnel
Milan captured the 2021-22 Serie A title after Paolo Maldini, appointed director for sporting strategy in 2018 and technical director in 2019, helped shape the winning squad. RedBird Capital Partners bought the club in 2022, reaffirmed Maldini’s position, then dismissed him in 2023. In summer 2025 the club hired Massimiliano Allegri as head coach and announced signings of Luka Modric, Christopher Nkunku, Adrien Rabiot, Pervis Estupiñán and others, while Charles De Ketelaere proved a costly flop.
Performance Metrics
Entering the final round Milan sit fourth with 67 points, level with Roma on head-to-head tiebreaker and three points behind Juventus (68) and seven behind Napoli (70). The side earned seven points from its previous eight league matches. Attendance for the Atalanta game was roughly half of the stadium’s capacity.
Official Statements
Head coach Massimiliano Allegri reiterated his willingness to secure Champions League qualification even on the final matchday, expressing confidence in the squad’s capacity. CEO Giorgio Furlani stressed that the club must operate within the financial parameters set by RedBird Capital Partners, describing fiscal prudence as a core priority.
Fan Opposition
Supporter groups staged a protest outside the executive box, displaying shirts with Paolo Maldini’s name and flashing the slogan “G.F. OUT” to demand Giorgio Furlani’s resignation. Critics also highlighted the underperformance of high-profile acquisitions such as Charles De Ketelaere and the team’s inability to translate individual talent into cohesive play.
On-the-Ground Observations
By the 70th minute the San Siro was half empty, with many fans leaving before full-time. Stewards removed two supporters holding Maldini-named shirts near the executive box, while a separate Ultras choreography used flashlights to spell “G.F. OUT.”
Gaps in Reporting
The club has not issued an official comment from Paolo Maldini regarding his dismissal, nor released precise attendance figures for the Atalanta match or detailed financial impact of recent signings.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I always said I would be happy to secure Champions League football even on the final weekend” — Massimiliano Allegri, Milan head coach
- “G.F. OUT” — Milan Ultras protest slogan
Upcoming Fixtures
Milan’s next league matches are against Genoa and a lower-table opponent, both offering a chance to secure the final Champions League spot if points are collected.
