JULY ON THE PITCH

JULY ON THE PITCH "Luglio col bene che ti voglio" - a famous line from a song that captured the spirit of a vibrant Italy from decades gone by. The seventh month of the year has historically been known as the "Month of Wheat" or the "Harvest Month", as it is the period when wheat is collected and threshed under the summer sun. It is a month full of old sayings, rural traditions and wisdom passed down through generations, right in the peak of the summer heat. From an etymological point of view, its name comes from the Latin Iulius, chosen in honour of Julius Caesar, who was born in July. A month rich in history and tradition, but usually short on football. No official matches are played; instead, teams reunite, begin their first training sessions and take to the pitch for their opening friendlies. A familiar routine. Unless… In AC Milan's history, July has also been a month of official matches and silverware. On 3 July, the Rossoneri celebrated two trophy victories: the Coppa Latina in 1956 and the Coppa Italia in 1977. Seventy years ago, AC Milan faced Athletic Bilbao on 3 July at Milano's Arena Civica. The Rossoneri wore a white shirt featuring two horizontal stripes across the chest: one red and one black. The final score was 3-1 to AC Milan, who lifted their second Coppa Latina in the Club's history. But July has brought more silverware too. The Rossoneri also won the Coppa Italia finals played on 5 July 1972 against Napoli, on 1 July 1973 against Juventus, and on 3 July 1977 at San Siro in the Derby della Madonnina against Inter. AC Milan have also played several Serie A games in July, most notably during the extended conclusion of the 2019/20 season following the COVID-19 pandemic. The Rossoneri played 10 league matches that month, winning seven, including victories over Lazio and Juventus, and drawing three against SPAL, Napoli and Atalanta. During that run, AC Milan were also prolific in front of goal, scoring 26 goals: an average of almost three per game. The new AC Milan 2026/27 Home Kit is available: buy it now!