VENICE, Italy – Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 11:30 AM UK time, AC Milan travel to Stadio Pierluigi Penzo to face Venezia in a crucial Serie A clash. Milan, fresh off a derby victory in Coppa Italia, looks to leverage their momentum against struggling Venezia, who is fighting to escape relegation.
After a satisfying performance against Inter Milan that secured their place in the cup final, Milan aims to shift gears in league play as the season nears its end. Sitting ninth on the Serie A table, they are keen on improving their position after struggling recently, including a disappointing loss to Atalanta BC last week that dashed their Champions League hopes.
“Winning the cup is our best chance to return to Europe,” said Milan coach Sergio Conceicao. “We must channel our energy from the derby win and not let past setbacks slow us down.”
In contrast, Venezia, previously on the brink of relegation, has shown resilience, losing just one of their last eight matches. This newfound form has brought them within one point of safety, sparking belief among fans and players alike. Despite securing a win against Monza, they let what could have been back-to-back victories slip in a draw against Empoli last weekend.
<p“Every match is like a final for us now," said Venezia coach. "We still believe we can turn the tide in our favor and avoid relegation.”
Historically, the odds favor Milan, who have defeated Venezia in their last four meetings, scoring a total of 13 goals over that stretch. The last encounter in September ended in a decisive 4-0 win for Milan.
Venezia’s possible missing players include their first-choice goalkeeper, who is on loan from Inter. Without him, they will rely on his backup to hold the defense against a potent Milan attack. Milan’s injury woes include a center-back suffering a neck injury; however, they have sufficient depth to make necessary adjustments.
Milan’s recent tactical formation improvements, specifically the shift to a 3-4-3 setup, have unlocked the talent of their forwards. This change has been crucial as they prepare for the match and their upcoming cup final against Bologna.
While both teams come in with different motivations, this match holds critical implications for both sides. Milan seeks to assert their dominance as they eye a return to European competition, whereas Venezia aims to escape the clutches of relegation. As they face off on Sunday, the atmosphere is expected to be intense and filled with high stakes.