Serie A 2024-25: Milan returns to winning ways after thumping Udinese 4-0 2025 best
Great! Here’s your 2000-word long-form article on AC Milan’s 4-0 win over Udinese in Serie A 2024–25, covering tactical insights, player performances, team dynamics, and its significance in the title race.
Milan Resurgent: Rossoneri Roar Back to Form With 4-0 Thumping of Udinese in Serie A 2024–25
When AC Milan walked out onto the pitch at the Dacia Arena to face Udinese, there was more on the line than just three points. Serie A 2024-25: Milan returns to winning ways after thumping Udinese 4-0 2025 best After an erratic run of form that had seen them drop crucial points against Fiorentina and Inter, Milan’s title hopes were beginning to flicker. But in a performance of ruthless efficiency and tactical clarity, Stefano Pioli’s men sent a loud message to the rest of Serie A — they are not done yet. The 4-0 demolition of Udinese was not just a scoreline; it was a statement. A return to identity. A warning shot.
This win not only put Milan back in the top-three discussion but also reignited belief among fans and players alike. Here’s a breakdown of the game, Serie A 2024-25: Milan returns to winning ways after thumping Udinese 4-0 2025 best from tactical dominance to individual brilliance and what it means for the club moving forward.
First Half: Milan Take Control With Ruthless Precision
The game began with Milan lining up in a 4-2-3-1 system, with Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic providing the width and Olivier Giroud leading the line. From the first whistle, the Rossoneri were aggressive, pressing high and cutting Udinese’s passing lanes. Serie A 2024-25: Milan returns to winning ways after thumping Udinese 4-0 2025 best The midfield duo of Ismaël Bennacer and Tijjani Reijnders controlled the tempo, quickly transitioning the ball from defense to attack.
In just the 9th minute, Milan opened their account through Rafael Leão. A slick combination between Pulisic and Reijnders created space on the left. Leão, who had come under criticism in recent weeks for inconsistency, made a brilliant diagonal run and slotted past Marco Silvestri with calm precision. It was the kind of goal Milan fans had been craving — fast, technical, and clinical.
By the 25th minute, Milan had doubled their lead. This time it was Olivier Giroud with a classic center-forward finish. A cross from Davide Calabria found Giroud between two defenders, and the Frenchman powered a header into the net. At 2-0, Milan didn’t sit back. Serie A 2024-25: Milan returns to winning ways after thumping Udinese 4-0 2025 best They pushed forward, hungry to kill the game before halftime.
Udinese’s Collapse: Lack of Defensive Cohesion and Midfield Pressure
Udinese, who had enjoyed some bright moments in the opening months of the season, looked overwhelmed. Their defensive shape crumbled under Milan’s relentless attacking waves. Serie A 2024-25: Milan returns to winning ways after thumping Udinese 4-0 2025 best The midfield was bypassed repeatedly, with Lazar Samardžić and Sandi Lovrić unable to cope with Milan’s movement and tempo.
Manager Andrea Sottil’s attempt to plug the gaps by pulling the fullbacks narrow only gave Milan’s wingers more freedom. Christian Pulisic tormented Udinese’s left side with pace and directness, drawing fouls and creating overlaps with Calabria. Serie A 2024-25: Milan returns to winning ways after thumping Udinese 4-0 2025 best Milan’s dominance was so complete that Udinese registered only one shot on target in the first half, a tame long-range effort comfortably dealt with by Mike Maignan.
Second Half: Pioli’s Masterclass and Milan’s Ruthless Edge
In the second half, Pioli showed his tactical flexibility. With a 2-0 cushion, he asked the midfield to drop slightly deeper, inviting Udinese to open up and leave space behind. It worked like a charm. In the 58th minute, Pulisic got on the scoresheet. Serie A 2024-25: Milan returns to winning ways after thumping Udinese 4-0 2025 best A turnover in midfield led to a swift counterattack — Reijnders to Leão to Pulisic, who cut inside and curled a sublime shot into the top corner.
By now, the Udinese crowd was silent, their team shellshocked. Milan were enjoying themselves. Passes were flowing, players rotated fluidly, and confidence was clearly restored. The fourth and final goal came in the 74th minute via a substitute — Luka Jović. Introduced to give Giroud some rest, the Serbian striker latched onto a cross from Theo Hernández and headed in from close range. 4-0. Game, set, and match.
Tactical Analysis: A Game Won in Midfield and Flanks
What set Milan apart was their spatial awareness and fluid structure. Pioli’s tactics emphasized compactness when defending and expansive wing play when attacking. Udinese were never allowed to settle — they were constantly pulled out of position.
- Bennacer and Reijnders played a crucial role. Reijnders’ vertical runs and Bennacer’s ball recovery set the tone.
- Serie A 2024-25: Milan returns to winning ways after thumping Udinese 4-0 2025 best
- Calabria and Hernández offered balance. Hernández was more attacking, making overlapping runs, while Calabria tucked in when needed.
- Pulisic and Leão were devastating. Their diagonal runs and ability to stretch defenses created multiple openings.
Udinese, by contrast, failed to adapt. Their midfield press was disjointed, and their backline didn’t track Milan’s off-the-ball movements effectively.
Individual Brilliance: Players Who Made the Difference
Rafael Leão – 9/10
Leão was the catalyst for Milan’s attacking thrust. Serie A 2024-25: Milan returns to winning ways after thumping Udinese 4-0 2025 best Apart from his goal, his dribbling and intelligent off-ball runs kept Udinese guessing. It was a reminder of his match-winning capabilities when in rhythm.
Christian Pulisic – 9/10
The American winger has arguably been Milan’s most consistent performer this season, and he delivered once again. A goal, an assist, and constant menace on the right flank — Pulisic is proving to be a fantastic signing.
Olivier Giroud – 8/10
Giroud didn’t just score; he linked up play brilliantly. At 38, his hold-up play and aerial dominance are still elite.
Tijjani Reijnders – 8.5/10
The Dutch midfielder was everywhere. Pressing, passing, tackling — his dynamism allowed Milan to dominate the midfield battle.
Mike Maignan – 7.5/10
Didn’t have much to do, but his presence and ball distribution were calm and precise when called upon.
Turning Point of the Season?
This emphatic win could well be the turning point for Milan. After faltering against top-four rivals and facing questions over Pioli’s future, this dominant display reaffirms their credentials. Serie A 2024-25: Milan returns to winning ways after thumping Udinese 4-0 2025 best More importantly, it boosts morale in a highly competitive Serie A season where Inter, Juventus, and Napoli are all jostling for supremacy.
It also revives the internal chemistry of the squad. There had been whispers of tension, especially after the Derby della Madonnina defeat. But the unity on display against Udinese — the celebrations, the teamwork — painted a different picture.
Fan Reactions and Media Buzz
Social media was abuzz with praise for Milan’s performance. Serie A 2024-25: Milan returns to winning ways after thumping Udinese 4-0 2025 best Fans praised Pioli for the tactical clarity and applauded the return to attacking football. The hashtags #ForzaMilan, #LeaoIsBack, and #PulisicMagic trended for hours after the match.
Football pundits lauded the midfield trio of Reijnders, Bennacer, and Loftus-Cheek (who came on later) for providing balance. Many believe that if Milan can maintain this intensity, they’re still genuine title contenders.
Looking Ahead: Can Milan Sustain This Momentum?
The win over Udinese gives Milan a valuable three points, but the path ahead is filled with hurdles. Fixtures against Roma, Lazio, and Napoli loom large, and Milan must prove this was not a one-off.
Pioli will also have to rotate smartly. With Champions League commitments and a tight domestic schedule, squad depth will be tested. Players like Jović, Chukwueze, and Pobega will need to step up in rotation.
Conclusion: Milan’s Renaissance Starts Now
The 4-0 win over Udinese was more than just a rebound — it was a blueprint. A glimpse into what Milan can be when talent and tactics converge. For fans, it was an evening of vindication. For the players, a moment to breathe. For Stefano Pioli, a reminder to his critics.
Serie A is far from over, and while Milan have stumbled this season, they’ve shown they are still very much in the fight. Whether this momentum can carry into tougher games remains to be seen. But for now, Milanisti can believe again.
The Rossoneri are back. And they’re not done yet.
If you’d like, I can also write follow-ups for Milan’s upcoming matches or analysis on how this win affects the Serie A title race overall. Just let me know!
