History of AC Milan in Timeline

AC Milan is a professional football club based in Milan, Italy, founded in 1899. They compete in Serie A, the top tier of Italian football. Since 1926, Milan has played its home games at the San Siro stadium, which they share with Inter Milan since 1947. The San Siro, built by Piero Pirelli, is the largest stadium in Italian football. The club has a major rivalry with Inter Milan, known as the Derby della Madonnina.

1900: List of Milan managers

A list of Milan managers from 1900 until the present day.

1901: First Italian Championship

In 1901, AC Milan won its first Italian championship, interrupting a three-year hegemony of Genoa.

1901: First Serie A Title

In 1901, AC Milan won its first Serie A title.

1903: Move to Acquabella pitch

In 1903, Milan moved to the Acquabella pitch, where the stands consisted of a section of ground raised for the purpose.

1905: Milan moves to Porta Monforte pitch

In 1905, Milan moved to the Porta Monforte pitch, which was furnished with a ticket office and wooden stands, where they played until 1914.

1906: Italian Championship

In 1906, AC Milan won another Italian Championship.

1907: Italian Championship

In 1907, AC Milan won another Italian Championship.

1908: Split and Formation of Inter

In 1908, AC Milan experienced a split caused by internal disagreements over the signing of foreign players, leading to the forming of F.C. Internazionale.

1908: First Derby della Madonnina

In 1908, the first Derby della Madonnina match between Milan and Inter was held in the final of the Chiasso Cup, with Milan winning 2–1.

1914: Milan's largest victory

During the 1914-15 season, AC Milan had its largest ever victory, winning 13-0 against Audax Modena in a league match.

1914: Move to the Velodromo Sempione

In 1914, Milan played at the Velodromo Sempione until 1920.

1915: Coppa Federale Win

In 1915, AC Milan won the Coppa Federale, a tournament played during the First World War.

1917: Coppa Mauro Win

In 1917, AC Milan won the Coppa Mauro, a tournament played during the First World War.

1920: Milan moves to Viale Lombardia stadium

In 1920, Milan moved to the Viale Lombardia stadium, a modern structure that hosted several games of the Italy national football team, where they played until 1926.

1922: Milan's heaviest defeat

In the 1922-23 season, AC Milan suffered its heaviest defeat in the league, losing 0-8 to Bologna.

September 1926: First game at San Siro

On September 19, 1926, the first game was played at the San Siro stadium, with Milan losing 6–3 in a friendly match against Internazionale. Milan also played its first league game in San Siro on the same day, losing 1–2 to Sampierdarenese.

1926: Move to San Siro stadium

In 1926, AC Milan moved to its current stadium, the San Siro. The stadium was built by Milan's second chairman, Piero Pirelli.

1926: Milan moves to San Siro

In 1926, Milan moved to the San Siro stadium, officially known as Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, which was privately built.

1935: San Siro sold to the city

In 1935, the San Siro stadium, which was owned by the club, was sold to the city.

1947: San Siro shared with Internazionale

In 1947, the San Siro stadium was shared with Internazionale, which became a joint tenant.

1947: Sharing San Siro with Inter Milan

Since 1947, AC Milan shares the San Siro stadium with Inter Milan. The stadium is the largest in Italian football.

1950: Title drought ends

In 1950, AC Milan still did not manage to win a single domestic title.

1950: Gunnar Nordahl's goalscoring record

In the 1950-51 season, Swedish forward Gunnar Nordahl scored 38 goals, with 35 in Serie A, setting an Italian football and club record.

1951: Scudetto and Latin Cup Win

In 1951, AC Milan won the Scudetto and the Latin Cup against Lille.

1953: Release of Sunday Heroes

In 1953, Mario Camerini directed "Sunday Heroes", a film centered around a fictional football match involving AC Milan and a club facing relegation. The movie featured Milan players of that era, including Lajos Czeizler, Lorenzo Buffon, Carlo Annovazzi and the Gre-No-Li trio.

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1955: Scudetto Win

In 1955, AC Milan won the Scudetto.

1956: Latin Cup triumph

In 1956, AC Milan won the Latin Cup triumphs against Athletic Bilbao.

1957: Scudetto and European Cup Final

In 1957, AC Milan won the Scudetto and reached the European Cup final, where they were defeated by Real Madrid.

1959: Scudetto Win

In 1959, AC Milan won the Scudetto.

1960: Debut of Gianni Rivera

In 1960, Gianni Rivera debuted for AC Milan.

1961: Nereo Rocco Appointment

In 1961, Nereo Rocco was appointed as the new coach of AC Milan.

1963: Founding of Forza Milan!

In 1963, Gino Sansoni founded "Forza Milan!", the official magazine of the club. Published by Panini, the monthly magazine covered AC Milan's events, interviews, posters, and match reports.

1967: Coppa Italia Win

In 1967, AC Milan won its first Coppa Italia, with victory over Padova in the final.

1969: European Cup and Intercontinental Cup

In 1969, AC Milan won the European Cup, with a 4–1 win over Ajax in the final, and the Intercontinental Cup title.

1971: Second Place in Serie A

In 1971, AC Milan ended up second in the league.

1971: Milan loses scudetto to Juventus

In 1971, Milan lost the scudetto to Juventus by just one point.

1972: Second Place in Serie A

In 1972, AC Milan ended up second in the league.

1972: Milan loses scudetto to Juventus

In 1972, Milan lost the scudetto to Juventus by just one point.

1972: European Cup Winners' Cup

In 1972-73, AC Milan won the European Cup Winners' Cup after defeating Leeds United.

1973: Second Place in Serie A

In 1973, AC Milan ended up second in the league.

1978: Perugia's Unbeaten Season

During the 1978-79 Serie A season, Perugia went unbeaten, but finished second in the table.

1979: Surnames added to jersey

Between the 1979-80 and 1980-81 seasons, the AC Milan shirt achieved an important record by adding the surnames of the players above the number for the first time in Italian football.

1979: 10th Serie A Title, Rivera Retirement, Baresi Debut

In 1979, AC Milan won its 10th Serie A title, Gianni Rivera retired, and Franco Baresi had his first full season with the club.

1979: Golden Star Awarded

In 1979, Milan was awarded a Golden Star for Sport Excellence after winning 10 league titles.

1980: Season in Serie B

AC Milan played in Serie B during the 1980-81 season.

1980: Stripes changed to middle size

From 1980 to 1982, the stripes changed to a middle size again.

1980: Totonero Scandal and Relegation

In 1980, AC Milan was involved in the Totonero scandal and was relegated to Serie B for the first time in its history.

1981: Promotion Back to Serie A

In 1981, AC Milan achieved promotion back to Serie A, winning the Serie B title.

1982: Season in Serie B

AC Milan played in Serie B during the 1982-83 season.

1983: Serie B Title and Return to Serie A

In 1983, AC Milan won the Serie B title for the second time in three seasons to return to Serie A.

1985: End of thin stripes style

In 1985, the style of thin stripes ended with the 1985-86 season.

February 1986: Silvio Berlusconi Acquisition

On February 20, 1986, Silvio Berlusconi acquired AC Milan and saved it from bankruptcy.

1986: Silvio Berlusconi purchased AC Milan

In 1986, Silvio Berlusconi purchased AC Milan and became the club's longest-serving president.

1986: Berlusconi changes to middle-sized stripes

In 1986, under Silvio Berlusconi's ownership, the stripes on the AC Milan kit were changed back to a middle size, and the socks were changed to white.

1987: First Scudetto in nine years

In the 1987-88 season, AC Milan won its first Scudetto in nine years under Arrigo Sacchi.

1988: Dutch trio signed

In 1988, AC Milan signed Dutch internationals Ruud Gullit, Marco van Basten and Frank Rijkaard.

1988: "AC Milan Anthem – Milan Milan" debut

In 1988, the "AC Milan Anthem – Milan Milan," composed by Tony Renis and Massimo Guantini, made its debut.

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1988: Ballon d'Or Podium

In 1988, three of AC Milan's players, Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit, and Frank Rijkaard, were ranked in the top three on the podium for the Ballon d'Or.

1990: European Cup

In 1990, AC Milan retained their title with a 1–0 win over Benfica.

1990: Renovations for 1990 FIFA World Cup

In 1990, the San Siro stadium underwent major renovations in preparation for the 1990 FIFA World Cup, increasing its capacity to 85,700.

May 1991: Start of Milan's Unbeaten Streak

On May 26, 1991, Milan began its 58-game unbeaten streak in Serie A with a 0-0 draw against Parma.

1991: Serie A Title without losing a game

During the 1991-92 season, AC Milan was the first team to win the Serie A title without losing a single game.

1991: Fabio Capello Takes Over

In 1991, Fabio Capello replaced Arrigo Sacchi as the manager of AC Milan.

1992: Serie A Titles

In 1992, AC Milan won three consecutive Serie A titles between 1992 and 1994.

March 1993: End of Milan's Unbeaten Streak

On March 21, 1993, AC Milan's 58-game unbeaten streak in Serie A ended with a 1-0 home loss to Parma.

1993: Champions League final

In 1993, AC Milan lost 1-0 to Marseille in the Champions League final.

1994: Champions League Final Win

In 1994, AC Milan defeated Barcelona 4-0 in the Champions League final.

1994: Fifth European Cup Win

In 1994, AC Milan's fifth European Cup win allowed the club to permanently keep the trophy and display a multiple-winner badge on its shirt.

1995: UEFA Champions League final appearances

In 1995, AC Milan made back-to-back UEFA Champions League final appearances in 1993, 1994 and 1995.

1995: Champions League Final Loss to Ajax

In 1995, Milan lost a Champions League Final to Ajax while wearing their white away kit.

1995: Club badge on match strips

In 1995, the club badge made its definitive appearance on the match strips in a form that has remained basically unchanged since then.

1995: Rivalry with Genoa worsened

In 1995, the rivalry between Milan and Genoa intensified after Genoa fan Vincenzo Spagnolo was fatally stabbed by a Milan supporter.

1996: Capello Leaves

In 1996, Fabio Capello left AC Milan to manage Real Madrid.

1998: 16th championship

In 1998-99, AC Milan lifted its 16th championship in the club's centenary season.

1998: Kits start to be modified yearly

Starting from the 1998-99 season, AC Milan kits began to be modified on a yearly basis in their design.

December 1999: Launch of Milan Channel

In December 1999, coinciding with the club's centenary, Milan Channel was launched as the first Italian thematic television channel dedicated to a football team, broadcasting news, events, and classic matches.

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November 2001: Carlo Ancelotti Appointment

In November 2001, Carlo Ancelotti was appointed as the manager of AC Milan.

2001: Zidane's Transfer

In 2001, Real Madrid bought Zidane for €77.5 million.

2003: Champions League and Scudetto Title

In 2003, AC Milan defeated Juventus on penalties to win the club's sixth European Cup and they won the Scudetto in 2003–04.

2003: Milan wins Champions League final against Juventus

In 2003, Milan won the UEFA Champions League final against Juventus at the penalties, securing their sixth Champions League title.

2003: Opel's Sponsorship

In the 2003–04 season, German car manufacturer Opel, Milan's main sponsor at the time, displayed "Meriva" on the front of the shirt.

2003: 2003-04 Serie A season

In the 2010–11 Serie A season, Milan recaptured the Scudetto in the 2003–04 season and 18th overall.

2004: Contested Serie A titles

Between the 2004-05 and 2005-06 seasons, Milan and Juventus contested each other for the Serie A titles, both won by Juventus but then revoked due to the Calciopoli scandal.

2004: Start of the vacancy of the AC Milan presidency

In 2004, AC Milan began a two-year vacancy for its presidency, which lasted until 2006.

2004: Dolce & Gabbana Partnership

In 2004, Italian luxury brand Dolce & Gabbana began designing AC Milan's official off-field suits, marking the start of a close association lasting over 10 years.

2004: 2004-05 Champions League quarter-final match

In 2004, The match was the second leg of the 2004-05 Champions League quarter-final match between Milan and Inter.

April 2005: Champions League match abandoned after flare incident

On April 12, 2005, the second leg of the 2004-05 Champions League quarter-final match between Milan and Inter was abandoned after a flare thrown from the crowd by an Inter supporter struck Milan goalkeeper Dida on the shoulder.

December 2005: Milan considers stadium relocation

On December 19, 2005, Adriano Galliani announced that Milan was seriously working towards a stadium relocation based on the Veltins-Arena.

2005: Fifth-highest earning football club

According to Deloitte's Football Money League, in the 2005–06 season, AC Milan was the fifth-highest earning football club in the world with an estimated revenue of €233.7 million.

2005: Contested Serie A titles

Between the 2004-05 and 2005-06 seasons, Milan and Juventus contested each other for the Serie A titles, both won by Juventus but then revoked due to the Calciopoli scandal.

2005: Champions League Final Loss

In 2005, AC Milan was beaten by Liverpool on penalties in the Champions League final despite leading 3–0 at half-time.

2005: Champions League Final Loss to Liverpool

In 2005, Milan lost a Champions League Final to Liverpool while wearing their white away kit.

2005: Opel's Sponsorship

In the 2005–06 season, German car manufacturer Opel, Milan's main sponsor at the time, displayed "Zafira" on the front of the shirt.

2006: End of the vacancy of the AC Milan presidency

In 2006, AC Milan ended a two-year vacancy for its presidency, which began in 2004.

2006: Calciopoli Scandal

In 2006, AC Milan was involved in the Calciopoli scandal, where five teams were accused of fixing matches.

2006: Re-capitalization figures

The re-capitalization figures for AC Milan were obtained from item versamenti soci in conto capitale e/o copertura perdite for 2006 to 2017 financial year

December 2007: FIFA Club World Cup Win

In December 2007, AC Milan won its first FIFA Club World Cup.

2007: FIFA Club World Cup Win

In 2007, AC Milan won the FIFA Club World Cup for the first time, completing an international treble of Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup.

2007: Most FIFA recognised international club titles

Since 2007, AC Milan has won more FIFA recognised international club titles than any other club in the world, along with Boca Juniors, with 18 titles.

2008: Milan in Superleague Formula

In 2008, AC Milan took part in the Superleague Formula, a car competition with football team-sponsored racing teams, supporting Scuderia Playteam. The team finished third with Robert Doornbos as main driver, who also secured the team's first victory.

2008: Capacity reduced to 80,018

In the summer of 2008, the capacity of the San Siro stadium was reduced to 80,018 to meet new standards set by UEFA.

May 2009: Paolo Maldini's appearance record

As of May 2009, Paolo Maldini held the records for total appearances and Serie A appearances for Milan, with 902 official games played in total and 647 in Serie A.

2009: Milan in Superleague Formula

In 2009, AC Milan took part in the Superleague Formula, a car competition with football team-sponsored racing teams, supporting Azerti Motorsport. Giorgio Pantano drove for Milan and won races for the team.

2009: Ancelotti Leaves

In 2009, Carlo Ancelotti left AC Milan to take over as manager at Chelsea.

2009: Sale of Kaká to Real Madrid

In 2009, the sale of Kaká to Real Madrid for €67 million broke the world football transfer record. This record, however, lasted for less than a month.

2010: Most supported Italian team in Europe

According to a study from 2010, Milan is the most supported Italian team in Europe and seventh overall, with over 18.4 million fans.

2010: Squad boasting Zlatan Ibrahimović

In 2010, AC Milan squad boasting players such as Zlatan Ibrahimović, Robinho and Alexandre Pato joining many of the veterans of the club's mid-decade European successes.

2010: Milan in Superleague Formula

In 2010, AC Milan took part in the Superleague Formula, a car competition with football team-sponsored racing teams, supporting Atech Grand Prix.

2010: Last League Title Since 2010-11 season

In 2010, Milan had not won a league title since the 2010-11 season.

2010: Emirates becomes Milan's main shirt sponsor

Starting in the 2010-11 season, Emirates became the main shirt sponsor for AC Milan.

2011: 2011-12 Serie A

In 2011, Milan's highest finish in the league was the 2011-12 Serie A.

2013: Last UEFA Champions League appearance

In 2013, Milan last appeared in the 2013-14 UEFA Champions League.

2013: Milan's ranking in Football Money League decreased

In the 2013–14 season, AC Milan fell to twelfth in Deloitte's Football Money League.

2013: Partnership with Banco BPM

Starting in 2013, Banco BPM has been a long-term premium partner of AC Milan.

December 2014: Property stadium proposal

On December 11, 2014, Barbara Berlusconi announced a proposal to build a 42,000-seat stadium in Portello.

2014: Eighth-wealthiest football club

As of 2014, Forbes magazine ranked AC Milan as the eighth-wealthiest football club in the world, surpassing Juventus to be the wealthiest in Italian football.

2014: UEFA Europa League Regulations

In 2014, AC Milan was excluded from the 2019–20 UEFA Europa League for violating Financial Fair Play regulations for the years 2014–2017 and 2015–2018.

2014: Al Ahly SC overtook Milan

In 2014, Al Ahly SC from Egypt overtook AC Milan in FIFA recognised international club titles after their CAF Confederation Cup win.

September 2015: End of new stadium plans

On September 20, 2015, Silvio Berlusconi called an end to his club's plans to build a new stadium in the city.

December 2015: Financial results leading to UEFA ban

Milan's aggregate financial results in the reporting periods ending at December 2015, December 2016 and June 2017 led to an initial ban from European competitions due to a breach in UEFA Financial Fair Play Regulations.

2015: UEFA Europa League Regulations

In 2015, AC Milan was excluded from the 2019–20 UEFA Europa League for violating Financial Fair Play regulations for the years 2014–2017 and 2015–2018.

July 2016: Milan Channel rebranded as Milan TV

In July 2016, Milan Channel was rebranded as Milan TV, featuring updated graphics and a new logo.

August 2016: Agreement with Sino-Europe Sports Investment Management

On 5 August 2016, AC Milan signed a new preliminary agreement with the Chinese investment management company Sino-Europe Sports Investment Management Changxing Co., for a 99.93% stake of Milan.

December 2016: Financial results leading to UEFA ban

2016: Boglioli became AC Milan style partner

In 2016, AC Milan announced Boglioli as its style partner, replacing Diesel.

2016: Supercoppa Italiana Win

In 2016, AC Milan won the Supercoppa Italiana under Vincenzo Montella's coaching after defeating Juventus in the penalty shoot-out.

April 2017: Deal Completed with Rossoneri Sport Investment Lux

On 13 April 2017, the deal to sell AC Milan was completed and Rossoneri Sport Investment Lux became the new direct parent company of the club.

April 2017: Milan acquired by Rossoneri Sport Investment Luxembourg

On April 13, 2017, AC Milan became a subsidiary of Rossoneri Sport Investment Luxembourg, with Li Yonghong as the new chairman. Later, Elliott Management Corporation took over due to Li's default, appointing Paolo Scaroni as the new chairman.

June 2017: Financial results leading to UEFA ban

October 2017: Early termination of Adidas deal

In October 2017, an early termination of the deal with Adidas was announced, effective on 30 June 2018.

November 2017: Montella Sacked, Gattuso Appointed

On 27 November 2017, Vincenzo Montella was sacked due to poor results and replaced by Gennaro Gattuso.

2017: UEFA Europa League Regulations

In 2017, AC Milan was excluded from the 2019–20 UEFA Europa League for violating Financial Fair Play regulations for the years 2014–2017 and 2015–2018.

2017: Considerations for stadium options

In 2017, CEO Marco Fassone stated that the club may look at either staying in the San Siro or moving to a new stadium.

2017: Real Madrid European Cup

In 2017, Real Madrid European Cup.

2017: Re-capitalization figures

The re-capitalization figures for AC Milan were obtained from item versamenti soci in conto capitale e/o copertura perdite for 2006 to 2017 financial year

June 2018: Last issue of Forza Milan!

In June 2018, the final issue of Forza Milan!, the club's official magazine, was published after more than half a century.

June 2018: End of Adidas deal

On 30 June 2018, the deal with Adidas was terminated.

July 2018: Elliott Management Corporation Takes Control

In July 2018, Elliott Management Corporation became the sole shareholder of Rossoneri Sport Inv. Lux., the direct parent company of AC Milan, after Li Yonghong failed to keep up with his loan repayment plan.

July 2018: UEFA Ban Overturned

On 20 July 2018, AC Milan's ban from European competition due to Financial Fair Play violations was overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

2018: Partnership with Damiani and Piquadro

In 2018, AC Milan partnered with Italian luxury jewelry company Damiani, designating them as the team's new "luxury partner." Also, luxury leather maker Piquadro became the team's "official tech travel" partner.

2018: UEFA Europa League Regulations

In 2018, AC Milan was excluded from the 2019–20 UEFA Europa League for violating Financial Fair Play regulations for the years 2014–2017 and 2015–2018.

June 2019: Giampaolo Hired and Europa League Exclusion

On 19 June 2019, AC Milan hired Marco Giampaolo as manager. On 28 June 2019, Milan was excluded from the 2019–20 UEFA Europa League for violating Financial Fair Play regulations.

2019: Thirteenth highest average attendance

In 2019, Milan had the thirteenth highest average attendance of European football clubs during the 2019–20 season.

2019: End of Emirates Sponsorship

The Emirates sponsorship deal for Milan's shirt ended after the 2019-20 season.

2019: End of Boglioli Partnership

The partnership between AC Milan and Boglioli concluded in the 2019/2020 season.

2020: Etro becomes AC Milan's official travel accessories supplier

In 2020, Etro became AC Milan's official travel accessories supplier, a partnership that was later renewed.

2020: Harmont & Blaine becomes AC Milan style partner

In 2020, Harmont & Blaine became the new style partner for AC Milan.

2020: Skrill Partnership

In 2020, Skrill became AC Milan's official global payments partner in a four-year deal, also serving as a match sponsor.

2020: Milan extends Pioli's contract after unbeaten streak

In 2020, after Serie A restarted due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Milan achieved a 10-match unbeaten streak, winning 7 matches against teams like Juventus, Lazio, and Roma. Consequently, Milan abandoned plans to hire Ralf Rangnick and extended Stefano Pioli's contract for 2 years.

June 2021: Milan was allowed to achieve the break even condition

Milan was allowed to achieve the break even condition on or before 30 June 2021.

2021: Milan qualifies for the UEFA Champions League

Following a strong start to the 2020-21 Serie A season, Milan, under Pioli, finished second in the league in 2021, their highest finish since 2011-12 Serie A. This secured Milan's qualification for the 2021-22 UEFA Champions League, their first appearance in seven years since the 2013-14 UEFA Champions League.

2021: Harmont & Blaine Release

In 2021, Harmont & Blaine released a special AC Milan capsule collection as part of their collaboration.

2021: Milan wins 19th Italian Championship

In 2021, Milan secured their 19th Italian championship title, marking their first league title since the 2010-11 season, with a club-record tally of 86 points.

June 2022: RedBird Capital Partners to acquire AC Milan

On June 1, 2022, RedBird Capital Partners agreed to acquire AC Milan for $1.3 billion, with Elliott Management Corporation retaining a minority stake.

2022: Partnership with Off-White

In 2022, AC Milan announced a partnership with Italian luxury streetwear brand Off-White.

2022: AC Milan partners with Betsson

In 2022, AC Milan announced that the online betting and casino company Betsson would be its official betting partner with exclusive access to AC Milan IP in Latin America.