Young, on the rise, and Italian: this is the profile that the ‘Rossoneri’ management is considering for the potential candidates who could be the next AC Milan coach.”
The season already going down to the tubes by the end of November, the overwhelming number of injuries, and the relationship with the senior players that doesn’t seem to be what it once was. These are the main problems that are shattering Stefano Pioli, who is back in the spotlight after the heavy and decisive defeat to Borussia Dortmund.
Even within the club, given the significant summer transfer market, and the money spent, there is a certain discontent. The team is falling well below the expectations, and the Parma-born coach knows it very well: A departure in June is now a realistic option, but the real question would be, who then would be the new coach?
THE NEW COACH
The hunt for Stefano Pioli’s successor, who lost 15 matches in 2023, has begun. The supporters, are eager to start a new cycle.
The dream would be, of course, Antonio Conte, currently unemployed. The former Inter coach, was also sought after by Napoli this season, will restart working in June and he is expected to stay in Serie A.
Conte himself has not ruled out a return to Juventus, while keeping an eye on Roma, which will probably bid farewell to José Mourinho at the end of the season. It’s difficult, if not almost improbable, to see him at AC Milan.
The Rossoneri ownership want an Italian coach, who is young, and is on the rise, while not too expensive economically. Someone might immediately think of Roberto De Zerbi, but the former Sassuolo coach is on a different path. He has been linked to Real Madrid, and if that doesn’t happen, he prefers to stay in the Premier League.
The focus should then be shifted elsewhere: Thiago Motta, who is doing very well at Bologna, is a very credible name, not to mention Raffaele Palladino. Hired by Berlusconi, the 1984-born coach has distinguished himself for his attacking style and philosophy and the ability to provide a clear identity to the team in a short time.
Vincenzo Italiano, a finalist in the Coppa Italia and Conference League last season with Fiorentina, is also in the mix. The name of Francesco Farioli remains intriguing. A protagonist in Ligue 1, the Tuscan is impressing with Nice, second only to PSG. Farioli is also on Napoli’s radar.
SHEVCHENKO PROPOSED UNTIL JUNE
The day after the painful defeat to Dortmund that has almost definitively compromised AC Milan’s European journey under Stefano Pioli, the name of Andriy Shevchenko has been proposed to the Rossoneri by some intermediaries as a possible solution until June. However, his profile did not fully convince the Milan management.”
