The coach is confirmed at least until the Sassuolo match, but against the Neroverdi, he cannot afford any mistakes. Abate is a possible interim solution to finish the season.
At ‘Casa Milan’ it has been a delicate and strange few hours. First, there were rumors about the possible dismissal of coach Stefano Pioli, then a survey with the team’s senior players, and finally, the decision, which allows the coach to extend his tenure at least until the end of the year.
Amidst this, there was significant social media buzz with somewhat surreal speculations about imaginary agreements between Antonio Conte and Milan, with the blessing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Nothing is true if, on the contrary, Stefano Pioli’s confirmation is precisely the direct result of the lack of viable alternatives. BUT…
ANTONIO CONTE TO MILAN?
Certainly, Antonio Conte’s name has been circulating around Milanello for some time, and almost certainly, Stefano Pioli’s tenure with the Rossoneri is heading towards its end. However, securing the former Tottenham manager is anything but simple. Firstly, he has many other suitors (including Juventus, Roma and Napoli in Italy, and other destinations from abroad), and secondly, bringing Conte on board means spending a considerable amount on his salary and in the transfer market. This contradicts, at least in part, the current philosophy of pursuing young prospects at a low cost who could potentially explode in Milan just like Maignan, Theo Hernandez, Tonalli and Leao among others.
But one of the most important things in his pursue is Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s will, who according to Sport Mediaset has chosen the ‘Leccese’ coach as the perfect solution to bring Milan back to their glory days. Ibra’s decision will be very important for the team and he is expected to push for Antonio come next June. The opration remains very, very difficult but surely not impossible.
OTHER ALTERNATIVES
In this sense, alternatives to the ex Inter coach seem more in line with the current ownership: from Nice’s Farioli to Fiorentina’s Italiano, the idea, at least until a few weeks ago, seemed to be to bet on an emerging coach who could work with young talents. However, until a few weeks ago, no one had seriously considered the possibility of immediately terminating Pioli’s contract. If the crisis continues and proves irreversible, Ignazio Abate could potentially replace him on the bench, perhaps supported by his friend Ibra.
