MILAN – Gerry Cardinale, the chairman of AC Milan, is navigating a packed schedule that stretches from Washington D.C. To Milan, underscoring his commitment to the storied Italian club as it prepares for a crucial derby against Inter Milan this weekend. The American businessman’s itinerary includes a meeting with former President Donald Trump and a planned visit to Milanello, AC Milan’s training center, before taking in Sunday’s match at San Siro.
Cardinale’s presence at the derby is particularly noteworthy given the significant stakes. AC Milan currently trails Inter by 10 points in the Serie A standings, making a victory essential if they hope to maintain any realistic challenge for the Scudetto. The derby, known as the derby della Madonnina, is always a high-pressure affair, but this year’s contest carries added weight for the Rossoneri.
The trip to Italy marks Cardinale’s third in the last 45 days, a clear indication of his increased engagement with the team during a pivotal point in the season. Before arriving in Milan, Cardinale participated in a roundtable discussion hosted by Donald Trump at the White House, focusing on the topic of college sports. This engagement highlights Cardinale’s broader interests within the sporting landscape, even as his primary focus remains on AC Milan’s success.
Upon arrival in Milan, Cardinale will first visit Milanello to observe the team’s final preparations for the derby. This visit is intended to demonstrate his support for the players and coaching staff ahead of the critical match. He will then be in attendance at San Siro, taking his place in the stands to witness the clash against Inter.
This won’t be Cardinale’s first time witnessing the Milan derby live. Sunday’s match will be his sixth at San Siro, having first attended a derby in September 2022. He similarly witnessed the heartbreaking defeat in April 2024 when Inter secured the Scudetto. His consistent presence at these matches signals a shift in approach, demonstrating a more visible and engaged ownership than in the past.
Beyond the immediate focus on the derby, Cardinale is also heavily involved in several strategic initiatives for AC Milan. One of the most pressing issues is the future of San Siro stadium. Milan and Inter are working to reach an agreement on a design for a new stadium, with input from international architectural firms like Manica and Foster + Partners. The deadline for a project agreement is approaching this summer, adding urgency to the negotiations.
Cardinale is also exploring opportunities to expand AC Milan’s reach into other sports. The club is considering launching a franchise in the future NBA Europe league, with initial non-binding offers expected by the end of March. This ambitious project reflects RedBird Capital Partners’ vision for building a global sports and entertainment brand.
RedBird’s involvement extends beyond AC Milan and NBA Europe. Through its stake in Paramount, the company is involved in a massive $110 billion merger with Warner Bros Discovery. This deal, currently facing competition from Netflix, is expected to be finalized in the second half of 2026 and will reshape the media landscape.
Cardinale’s recent activities demonstrate a multi-faceted approach to ownership. He’s balancing the immediate demands of Serie A competition with long-term strategic planning for the club’s future, all although navigating complex financial deals on a global scale. His presence at Milanello and San Siro this weekend underscores his commitment to the team and its supporters as they face a critical juncture in the season.
The derby against Inter represents a significant test for AC Milan. A win would reignite their Scudetto hopes, while a defeat could effectively end their title aspirations. With Cardinale in attendance, the players will undoubtedly be motivated to deliver a performance worthy of their chairman’s support.
Following the derby, AC Milan’s schedule will continue to be demanding. The team will necessitate to quickly refocus on their upcoming matches as they strive to climb the Serie A table. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether they can mount a serious challenge for the championship.
Fans can stay updated on AC Milan’s progress through the club’s official website and social media channels. The outcome of the derby will undoubtedly set the tone for the remainder of the season, and all eyes will be on San Siro this Sunday.
