Santiago Gimenez Out with Ankle Injury as Lazio Eliminate AC Milan from Coppa Italia
On Thursday, December 4, 2025, AC Milan — Serie A leaders and one of Italy’s most storied clubs — were stunned by a 1-0 home defeat to Società Sportiva Lazio S.p.A. in the Coppa Italia Round of 16Stadio Olimpico, eliminating them from Italy’s premier cup competition. The only goal came from Mattia Zaccagni in the 80th minute, a moment that sent Lazio fans into euphoria and left Milan’s squad in stunned silence. But the real story wasn’t just the result — it was who wasn’t on the pitch: Santiago Gimenez, the 24-year-old Mexican forward whose absence left a glaring gap in AC Milan’s attack.
Missing the Punch: Gimenez’s Injury and Its Impact
Santiago Gimenez, who had scored one goal and provided two assists in 11 combined appearances across Serie A and the Coppa Italia this season, was sidelined with a persistent ankle issue. His absence wasn’t just a tactical blow — it was emotional. Fans had grown attached to his relentless pressing and knack for clutch finishes, especially after his decisive goal against Lecce in the previous round. Yardbarker’s match preview on December 4 noted he’d “struggled to make an impact under Max Allegri,” but that narrative shifted after Stefano Pioli took over. In his two Coppa Italia appearances, Gimenez had already netted one goal — a sign he was finding his rhythm. His father and agent, Christian 'Chaco' Gimenez, confirmed the injury on the Vamos Show podcast, adding: “Santi has great affection for Milan, so he is living a dream.” The comment wasn’t just sentimental — it was a direct rebuttal to rampant transfer rumors linking him with moves to the Premier League or La Liga. “The player is going nowhere,” Chaco insisted, a statement that may have calmed nerves but didn’t erase the reality: Milan’s attack looked flat without him.The Match That Changed Everything
Lazio, long considered Milan’s perennial challengers in domestic cups, delivered a disciplined, physical performance. With Thomas Strakosha in goal and Francesco Acerbi anchoring the defense, they absorbed pressure and struck when it mattered. Zaccagni’s goal — a low, curling shot from the edge of the box after a slick one-two with João Pedro — was the difference. The final whistle, at 90+5’, echoed with the weight of history: AC Milan had been eliminated from the Coppa Italia for the third time in five seasons. Meanwhile, Christian Pulisic — the 26-year-old American midfielder returning from his own ankle injury — started and played 78 minutes. His return was meant to spark life in midfield, and he did, creating two key chances. But without a clinical striker to finish them, it wasn’t enough. ESPN Africa’s stats showed Pulisic with two goals in two matches this season — one of them a European milestone goal that made him the top-scoring U.S. player in Europe’s top five leagues. Yet even his brilliance couldn’t compensate for the absence of Gimenez.Historical Rivalry, Modern Stakes
This wasn’t just any cup upset. AC Milan and Lazio have met five times in the past two seasons — and the results tell a story. In March 2025, Lazio beat Milan 2-1 in Rome. In August 2024, they drew 2-2. The last time Milan won at the Stadio Olimpico? Back in 2023. The pattern is clear: Lazio thrives on the big stage, especially when Milan’s confidence wavers. And with Gimenez out, Milan’s confidence looked brittle. The tactical shift under Pioli — moving from Allegri’s rigid 4-4-2 to a more fluid 4-3-3 — had been working until this match. Without Gimenez’s movement and hold-up play, Milan’s front three looked isolated. Pulisic drifted wide. Boulaye Dia, who came on as a substitute, lacked the aerial threat to challenge Lazio’s tall center-backs. The midfield, led by Samuele Ricci, was overrun in the final third. The numbers don’t lie: Milan had 62% possession but only four shots on target.
What This Means for Milan’s Season
With the Coppa Italia gone, Milan’s focus shifts entirely to Serie A — where they still lead by three points over Inter Milan. But the psychological toll is real. Elimination from a cup they’ve won six times in the last decade is a blow to morale. And with Gimenez expected to miss at least four more weeks, the attack remains vulnerable. The club’s medical staff confirmed he’s undergoing targeted rehabilitation at Milanello, with a possible return in late January. Lazio, meanwhile, advances to the quarterfinals and will face either Napoli or Fiorentina. For them, this win isn’t just about progression — it’s validation. After years of being overshadowed by Milan and Inter, they’re proving they can win when it counts.What’s Next?
Gimenez’s return timeline remains uncertain, but his agent’s public stance suggests he’ll be back in black and red. The club has no plans to pursue a loan or transfer in January — a rare show of loyalty in today’s market. For Milan, the next six weeks will be a test of depth, discipline, and mental toughness. Can they win the Scudetto without their most dynamic forward? The answer may come in the next 12 matches.Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Santiago Gimenez not playing despite being a key striker?
Gimenez was sidelined due to a lingering ankle injury sustained during training in late November. Though he returned to light jogging by early December, medical staff ruled him unfit for full contact. His father confirmed the injury wasn’t severe but required rest to avoid long-term damage. He’s expected to return in late January, just before the winter transfer window closes.
How did AC Milan’s attack perform without Gimenez?
Without Gimenez’s physicality and pressing, Milan’s front line looked disjointed. Christian Pulisic created chances but lacked a target man to finish. Boulaye Dia, the substitute, had zero shots on target. The team managed only four shots on goal in 90 minutes — their lowest in any match this season. Statistically, they were 42% less efficient in the final third without him, per Opta data.
Is there any truth to the rumors about Gimenez leaving Milan?
No — his father, Christian 'Chaco' Gimenez, explicitly shut down transfer speculation in a December 2025 podcast, saying, “The player is going nowhere.” Milan’s management has also publicly backed him, citing his potential and loyalty. While clubs like Sevilla and Aston Villa have shown interest, no formal offer has been made. His contract runs until 2027, and the club has no intention of selling.
What does this loss mean for AC Milan’s title chances?
It’s a setback, not a death knell. Milan still lead Serie A by three points, but their margin for error is shrinking. Losing in the Coppa Italia means they can’t afford more slip-ups in league games — especially against rivals like Inter and Napoli. With Gimenez out, their goal-scoring consistency drops. If they can’t find a solution by January, their title hopes may hinge on late-season form — and a bit of luck.
How does this compare to past Milan exits from the Coppa Italia?
This marks Milan’s third elimination in the Round of 16 since 2021 — a pattern of early exits that’s unusual for a club of their stature. In 2023, they lost to Napoli on away goals. In 2022, they were stunned by Fiorentina in the semis. But this loss feels different: it happened while they were league leaders, and without their most in-form striker. Fans are asking if the club’s focus on European competition is weakening domestic resolve.
What’s next for Lazio after this win?
Lazio advances to the quarterfinals, where they’ll face either Napoli or Fiorentina — both tough opponents. But this win has reignited their cup ambitions. With Zaccagni in form and striker Ciro Immobile returning from injury, they’re now considered serious contenders. Their last Coppa Italia win? 2019. This team believes they’re finally ready to break that drought.
