Ahead of the Coppa Italia semi-final second-leg derby, Gullit warned that if the season ended today, Mike Maignan and his teammates would be excluded from European competitions.

Gullit emphasized: “If AC Milan wants to salvage this season, they must win the Coppa Italia. This trophy is not just a title but also a gateway to the Europa League, which is currently closed to Milan. Unfortunately, I must say this team lacks AC Milan’s DNA, and the fans don’t connect with it. There are several players who shouldn’t even be on the bench.”

Gullit referred to Milan’s Supercoppa Italiana victory earlier in the season but called it an unexpected success separate from the main course of the season: “I know they won the Supercoppa this year, but that was a surprise. I’m not saying it’s forgotten, but it’s a separate event, just a memory. The fans are not satisfied and are unhappy with the team’s style of play. This situation is similar to Chelsea, a club I love, which—like AC Milan—is under American ownership and is currently searching for its identity. The fans are asking, ‘What’s going on here?'”

The former Milan star then discussed Inter Milan, their opponents in tonight’s Coppa Italia semi-final derby, describing them as a completely distinct team: “Exactly! Inter is an extraordinary team with a clear philosophy in play and club management. Their identity is crystal clear. Everyone knows how Inter plays and what to expect from them on and off the pitch.”