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.