On February 20, 1986, a pivotal moment in the history of Italian football occurred when Silvio Berlusconi's Fininvest officially acquired the football club AC Milan. The transaction, which took place quietly in Milan without any photographic evidence as Berlusconi and his managers were heading for a presentation in Paris, signaled the start of a transformation for the club. Prior to this acquisition, the presence of Paolo Berlusconi and Adriano Galliani at a match on February 16 served as a public confirmation of the impending deal, illustrating the interest in elevating the club's profile and performance.

Forty years later, February 20 is celebrated as a significant anniversary for AC Milan, marking not only the acquisition but also the onset of an unparalleled cycle of success for the club. Under Berlusconi's leadership, AC Milan achieved remarkable successes on both national and international stages, establishing itself as one of the top football clubs in the world. This period saw legendary players like Franco Baresi, whose captaincy played a crucial role in the team's achievements, and highlighted the club's transformation into a powerhouse in European football.

The implications of Berlusconi's acquisition extend beyond just football; it shaped a narrative of ambition and success in Italian sport. This story of transformation reflects larger themes of corporate involvement in sports and the impact of leadership on a club's legacy. The anniversary not only serves as a reminder of Milan’s storied past but also of the ongoing influence of Berlusconi in the landscape of Italian football, reinforcing the idea that visionary leadership can fundamentally alter the success trajectory of sports organizations.