The first season under the presidency of Silvio Berlusconi. The 1986/87 season was a Rossonero rebirth, not immediate but nonetheless evident in initial flashes. The market, for example, saw the signings of Roberto Donadoni, Daniele Massaro, Giovanni Galli, Giuseppe Galderisi and Dario Bonetti. A strong signal of an awakening and a desire to compete at the highest level once more. The team, still coached by Nils Liedholm, responded immediately, competing at the top of the league, with many victories and convincing performances. Between March and April, however, an unexpected and conspicuous drop in performance, it was the coach who paid the price as Liedholm was relieved of his duties after a loss to Avellino. In his place, it was up to Fabio Capello to shake things up. The ship righted itself, thanks in part to goals from Pietro Paolo Virdis, who finished the season as top scorer. AC Milan clinched fifth place with the same number of points as Sampdoria, which meant a play-off to qualify for the UEFA Cup: Daniele Massaro's goal in extra time (1-0) won the game for the Rossoneri. The Coppa Italia campaign, however, ended in the round of 16.
