TIME MACHINE: SIMONE IN STRASBOURG v AC MILAN

In the Europa League against a French opponent, AC Milan prepare for the return leg of the playoff against Stade Rennais, flying across the Alps to face Stéphan's team after the first leg at San Siro. It had been over a quarter of a century since the 1995/96 season that the Rossoneri had faced a French team in the knockout stage of the then UEFA Cup. During the season of the 15th Rossoneri Scudetto, AC Milan faced two French teams: their European journey halted in the quarter-finals against Bordeaux, but before that, there was a balanced second round against Strasbourg.

After a convincing win in the first round against the Polish side Zagłębie Lubin (4-0 at San Siro, 4-1 away), the Rossoneri approached the first leg in Alsace with confidence, bolstered by an excellent start to the season - 5 wins in the first six matches, including a 2-1 victory over reigning champions Juventus - and the assurance stemming from the seamless integration of two big new signings: Roberto Baggio and George Weah. Coming respectively from Juventus and PSG, the duo were set to complement a lineup already featuring confirmed players such as Di Canio, Lentini, and Simone.

The native of Castellanza had indeed been a major protagonist in the previous season. In 1994/95 it was the most prolific season of his eight years with the Rossoneri, tallying 21 goals across all competitions and making a crucial contribution to Capello's team, which reached the final of the Champions League and won both the Italian and European Super Cups. The Alsace evening came just 48 hours after the Serie A victory over Juventus, secured by goals from Simone and Weah. Throughout the first half, the match unfolded with a sense of balance. Milan posed a threat but lacked clinical finishing, while Strasbourg showed generosity but never truly posed a threat to Ielpo's goal.

The second half mirrored the first, with few noteworthy chances for either side, seemingly destined to settle the tie in the return leg at San Siro, scheduled two weeks later. The match at Stade de la Meinau changed in the 79th minute, spurred by the Rossoneri's attacking duo. Released on the break, Weah outpaced the opposing defender and deftly back-heeled the ball for Simone's run.

Marco demonstrated the instincts of a top-class striker, getting past Leboeuf to beat Vencel in goal. A particularly valuable goal, which Strasbourg failed to equalize in the final 11 minutes despite the home crowd's push. For Simone, it was his second consecutive goal - within 48 hours - in a season where he ended up in double figures across all competitions. For AC Milan, it was the first piece of a passage to the next round, later sealed by a brace from Baggio.

The AC Milan PUMA Kits for 2023/24 are available: buy them now!