Several vital decisions will be made by AC Milan in the upcoming summer, and the outcome of their decision regarding Stefano Pioli’s future could be vital in the outcomes of other scenarios.
Pioli’s future has hung in limbo for a prolonged period. The 58-year-old seemed destined to leave Milan at points of this season, but now, the tides seem to be turning, and continuation under his tenure seems a very real possibility.
In this morning’s edition of Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below), the paper detailed that Pioli has laid the foundations for next season after a period of extreme uncertainty, and credit has to be given to him for this.
In the months following the rumours of his seemingly destined future, the Rossoneri and Pioli found ‘serenity’, and now the Italian has re-established himself and refound his identity.
Whilst continuation is possible, there are three factors which will decide his future. Firstly, regarding the past of this story, Pioli has already seen himself in a position where his tenure looks likely to end and then has recovered, and there are several reasons why this could happen again.
He has a great relationship with the squad and has a track record of improving young players, which are appreciated traits. Furthermore, he and Milan’s senior figures share a great respect for each other, which is another appreciated factor.
The other factors are during April, when the Diavolo face Roma twice in the Europa League, and shortly after, Inter. European success is possible, but their route to it would be extremely difficult, and elimination against Roma might sound alarms.
Finally, there is the Derby della Madonnina. There have been five consecutive defeats in the fixture, and there is a demand to rectify this, and this, perhaps, will be the deciding factor of his tenure, should Inter make it six in a row.
