The 2018-19 campaign delivered a heart-breaking near-miss for AC Milan, with the Rossoneri finishing 5th in Serie A and narrowly missing Champions League qualification on the final day. The season was defined by the stunning mid-season arrival of Polish striker Krzysztof Piątek, whose nine league goals for the club proved pivotal in the team's late surge for the top four. It was a turbulent year, overseen by club legend Gennaro Gattuso, that marked a fierce but ultimately unsuccessful fight to return to Europe's elite, ending with disappointment in the Coppa Italia semi-finals and the Europa League group stage.