At the moment, it seems more likely than unlikely that AC Milan and Stefano Pioli will part ways when the season ends and there are a few names reportedly in the fold to replace him.
This morning’s edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) outlines the possible ‘revolution’ that could take place at the conclusion of the 2023-24 season, after Gerry Cardinale admitted he is not satisfied with the way things are going.
The first aspect to be defined is the head coaching position, and a final judgement on Pioli is postponed until the end of the season. Winning the Europa League would give the owners a trophy that is missing in the cabinet – success is Cardinale’s obsession and Pioli could thus satisfy it.
On the contrary, his actual chances of staying are low. After almost five years, Milan are heading towards a change on the bench to start a new course and there are four potential replacements.
Antonio Conte would mark a clear switch in ambition because of the salary he would command, the investment in the squad, plus the fact he is a tough character with methods that are set in stone. The hypothesis is there, nonetheless.
Other choices would be less disruptive. Julen Lopetegui is a concrete idea, but in his career he has won only one title: the Europa League (with Sevilla), which is missing from the Rossoneri’s honours board. For two years he was coach of Spain and he spent four months at Real Madrid.
Another profile under observation is Thiago Motta who is excelling with Bologna after plying his trade at Genoa and Spezia. The Rossoblu are fourth in the table, five points behind Milan, and he is developing a lot of young players there.
Not even the Marcelo Gallardo track should be abandoned. He was at River Plate for many years and restored them to being a powerhouse but he left to try a new challenge and today he is a Al-Ittihad who are fifth in the Saudi Pro League.
