The Highs and Lows of Silvio Berlusconi’s AC Milan Reign

As far as entrances go, it doesn’t get much more epic than arriving in a helicopter to the tune of Wagner’s “Ride of the Valkyries.” That is exactly how Silvio Berlusconi chose to usher in a new AC Milan era on July 8, 1986.

The early 1980s had been extremely turbulent for the Rossoneri. The club had twice been relegated to Serie B; firstly because of their involvement in the Totonero match-fixing scandal, secondly because they simply weren’t good enough to stay up.

Berlusconi took over Milan on February 20, 1986, with the intention of returning them to the pinnacle of European football. Over the ensuing decades he would fulfil this ambition, often spectacularly, though his reign is now set to come to an end.

After over 30 years as owner, the 79-year-old agreed to sell the club to a Chinese consortium in early August, with Sky (h/t Football Italia) reporting that the deal will be completed by November 4.

With Berlusconi’s ownership nearing its conclusion, Bleacher Report takes a reminiscent look at the highs and lows of his time in charge.

   

Appointing Sacchi

In Berlusconi’s first full season as Rossoneri owner, the club finished fifth in Serie A and were knocked out, rather disappointingly, by second-tier outfit Parma in the Coppa Italia’s round of 16.

Months later, the man who had inspired the Crociati’s surprise victory was appointed Milan head coach.

Arrigo Sacchi had never been a professional footballer, and his time in coaching comprised of spells with Rimini and Parma in Serie C1 and B.

He was a relative unknown to many in the Italian game and was criticised for a lack of top-level experience. Averse to taking a backward step, he fired back at his critics: “I never realised that to be a jockey you had to be a horse first,” per FIFA.com.

His impact was instant; his debut year at the San Siro culminated in Milan winning their first Scudetto for nine years, losing just twice in 30 league games. He also introduced progressive tactical concepts such as a high defensive line, zonal marking and pressing.

Berlusconi has often been criticised for his decision-making in hiring coaches and signing players, but his appointment of Sacchi was visionary and highly influential in changing the course of Rossoneri history.

   

Winning, and retaining, the European Cup

Following their domestic success, Milan set out to conquer European football in 1988-89. Frank Rijkaard was added to the squad, joining fellow Dutch internationals Ruud Gullit and Marco van Basten; all three would play pivotal roles for the club.

With a fearsome all-Italian back four of Mauro Tassotti, Alessandro Costacurta, Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini, Sacchi’s side were built on solid foundations, though it was their foreign stars who attracted the most attention.

Rijkaard, who had made his name as a centre-back, was deployed in central midfield alongside Carlo Ancelotti to good effect, while Gullit and Van Basten, each of whom had struggled during their maiden campaigns with Milan, formed a tantalising attacking partnership of strength, guile and technical mastery.

The Rossoneri hadn’t won Europe’s most coveted club trophy for 20 years, but that would soon be rectified.

Milan saw off Vitosha, Red Star Belgrade and Werder Bremen before a stunning performance against Spanish giants Real Madrid saw them through to the European Cup final.

After a 1-1 draw in Madrid, a 5-0 win at the San Siro courtesy of a goal apiece from the Dutch trio, as well a stunning long-range strike from Ancelotti and an accurate finish from Roberto Donadoni, ensured that the Rossoneri were one win away from being crowned kings of their continent.

Vuelta de octavos de final de la Copa de Europa (1989) AC Milán 5-0 Real Madrid. Gol de Ancelotti (3-0) https://t.co/E0sxufBTmT

— Fútbol en RTVE (@Futbol_RTVE) August 6, 2014

In the final they met the Steaua Bucharest of Gheorghe Hagi, Dan Petrescu and Marius …

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