This has been a very disappointing season for AC Milan, who have been slowly slipping down the European elite stages over the last few years. After the sale of several star names like Alexandre Pato and the retirement of established stars like Alessandro Nesta, Milan have been unwilling to spend money on new players and this has translated into one of the dark days are the club. They are on course to missing out on Champions League football for next season, while it is related that they may be several years away from returning to the competition.

However, VP Adriano Galliani, who had to overcome several obstacles in order to keep his job, says that the club do need to finish in the Europa league qualification places next season because some form of European football is important for the club. After several matches without a win under the new manager Clarence Seedorf, the club have been finding ways with the new managerial style after they recorded their fourth consecutive win in the league. The 1-0 win over Catania means that they are only three points below the Europa league qualification places.

The revenues from the Europa league cannot be compared to that of the Champions League, but it is additional income nonetheless.

“We would have to cancel our preseason tournament in the U.S. if we finish sixth since we would have to play in the qualifying rounds, but we’re keen on making it. Of course we want to qualify. The revenue may be inferior to the Champions League, but let’s not look for excuses,” said Gallaini about qualifying for the Europa League. “We’re just three points behind now, but there are so many teams in there and it’s best that we don’t make any calculations,” said Riccardo Montolivo after scoring the winner against Catania.