With just 10 games remaining in the 2020/21 Serie A campaign, there is a huge amount still at stake for Milan who now face a crucial two months.
The Rossoneri have mostly impressed since the early part of last year as points tallies and our position in the table would suggest, and while there have certainly been setbacks and disappointments along the way, the signs of progress have been evident.
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However, for a club now starved of Champions League football for too long and with the off-field consequences of missing out on a slice of such a lucrative pie becoming ever more prominent, results between now and the end of the season are of paramount importance as we seek to achieve our primary objective this year.
While six points separate us and leaders Inter, albeit our city rivals also have a game in hand, the main focus remains on finishing in the top four and securing a return to Europe’s top table.
Key individuals have gradually formed the core of the squad over the last 12 to 18 months, but Stefano Pioli will undoubtedly be thrilled by the return of Ismael Bennacer to the heart of his starting XI.
The Algerian international has endured a frustrating season this year after becoming an almost instant fans’ favourite with his consistently top-level performance following his move from Empoli.
Bennacer, 23, has missed 16 games already this campaign due to injury issues, and although Sandro Tonali arrived last year to help add quality and competition in that specific area of the squad, the absence of Bennacer has been noticeable throughout the season and that in itself speaks volumes of the importance and influence he has on this side.
However, after making his comeback prior to the international break, it’s hoped that Bennacer is now ready to put his injury woes behind him and become a pillar of the Milan XI again.
From his tenacity and work ethic in providing a protective shield in front of the defence to his quick-thinking and smart distribution to get us moving into attack quickly and with rhythm, there is no doubting just how important he is to us and it’s hoped that he can display that quality in the next 10 games.
Furthermore, there aren’t enough superlatives to describe the relationship he has built with Franck Kessie in the heart of our midfield, and with that duo reunited and ready to play an integral part in our push to finish the job, Pioli will surely feel a lot more confident if a healthy Bennacer is helping to lead the charge for Champions League football.