Ahead of their Serie A clash with Bologna, AC Milan made arrangements across four major cities, preparing for the possibility of a venue shift. The original fixture in Bologna was set for Saturday, but as uncertainty arose, Milan’s logistics team secured alternative bookings in Como, Verona, and Empoli. The team’s planners anticipated a neutral venue might be chosen, even possibly behind closed doors, given shifting fixture policies. Reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport indicate that Milan’s staff acted preemptively to avoid last-minute disruptions by booking high-end accommodations in each of these cities.
Complex Travel Logistics and Staff Coordination
With accommodations booked, Milan’s next task involved planning travel logistics to each city. Travel routes posed unique challenges depending on the location, with some cities easier to access than others. The Empoli option, for example, presented difficulties due to fewer direct train routes. Milan’s support staff, including chefs and equipment managers who typically arrive ahead of the main squad, faced additional coordination challenges to meet the unpredictable schedule. This level of preparation underscored the team’s effort to avoid potential disruptions, ensuring everything was in place regardless of the final venue decision.
Fixture Postponement Forces Complete Rescheduling
In the end, the detailed preparation for alternative venues proved unnecessary, as Lega Serie A confirmed the postponement of the Bologna match. This unexpected change meant that all the reserved accommodations and travel arrangements across multiple cities had to be scrapped. Now, Milan and Bologna await the final rescheduling, with expectations that the fixture will take place sometime next year, leaving Milan’s logistics team back to square one for the eventual date.
