Why AC Milan are the team to beat in this year's Europa League

The San Siro revival project hits its peak

For years, AC Milan felt like a club living in the shadow of their own history. Watching them limp through group stages in the mid-2010s was painful, but the 2026 iteration is different. They have evolved from a collection of stop-gap signings into a cohesive unit that understands how to manage European knockout ties.

The current squad possesses a defensive discipline that was entirely absent during the Pioli era. You can see the shift in their high-press efficiency against domestic rivals. It is not just about raw athleticism; it is about the tactical intelligence shown by their holding midfielders when transitioning from a defensive block to a rapid counter-attack.

Tactical clashes in the final four

The semi-final draw presents a fascinating dilemma for the competing clubs. Tottenham are back in the mix, bringing that familiar brand of high-octane, fragile football that fans have come to expect. They play beautiful attacking sequences, yet they remain susceptible to the exact kind of defensive lapse that cost them the 2019 Champions League final.

When Tottenham faces a side like Milan, the midfield battle will be decided by spatial control. Milan prefers to clog the central channels, forcing opponents wide where their fullbacks are statistically among the best in the league at winning aerial duels. If Tottenham tries to force the ball through the middle, they are inviting disaster.

Then there is the threat of the underdogs from the Bundesliga, who have mastered the art of the 1-0 win. They are not flashy, but they are efficient. Their ability to secure a result despite having less than 40 percent possession is a hallmark of a team that knows how to go the distance in a tournament setting.

The prediction for the final

Experience in the later rounds is a currency that cannot be manufactured overnight. Milan has been here before, specifically their deep runs in the recent past which UEFA records highlight as a period of significant growth. They are not relying on a superstar to carry them, which makes them harder to scout and even harder to stop.

My money is on a Milan victory in the final. They have the depth to rotate their squad while maintaining the same intensity levels, which is vital given the congested schedule of late April. While the German side might grind out a draw in the first leg, the second leg in Italy will be a different animal entirely.

One major concern remains the fatigue levels of their veteran striker. If he tweaks a hamstring or loses a step in the final 20 minutes, the team lacks a direct replacement with his specific profile. Relying on a 34-year-old to hold up the ball for 90 minutes is a gamble that could backfire if the match goes to extra time.

The final scoreline will likely be 2-1 in favor of the Italians. It won't be a classic for the ages, but it will secure their return to the top tier of European competition. They have navigated the tournament with a grit that was lacking in the 2024 season, proving that sometimes, the boring path is the most effective one.

The path to the trophy

• Milan eliminates the Bundesliga underdogs in a tight 2-0 aggregate win.
• Tottenham suffers another heartbreak in the semi-finals after a defensive collapse in the 88th minute.
• The final in Dublin will hinge on set-piece accuracy, where Milan holds a statistical edge.

It is time for the Italian giants to reclaim their place at the table. They have the pedigree, the tactical structure, and the motivation to finish the job. If they play to their potential, the trophy is coming back to Lombardy.