‘The name most on the rise’ – Mazzara hints Milan are strongly considering Bologna boss

Pietro Mazzara has suggested that Vincenzo Italiano is now the name at the top of AC Milan’s list as they look for a new head coach.

Fabio Paratici will not be – barring unexpected developments – the next sporting director of Milan. Just when the negotiations to complete his appointment were coming to an end, with a verbal agreement reached, there was a sudden and abrupt slowdown in the talks.

Based on various reports there were a couple of reasons that prompted the change of heart. Firstly there was his operability, given that Paratici is suspended until July 20 and has limited powers until then. Secondly is the Prisma trial hanging over his head, with a criminal hearing to come soon.

There was even talk of pressure from the FIGC not to hire Paratici. Mazzara published his weekly column for MilanNews in which he spoke about the sporting director and coach issue after giving some assessments on the 2-2 draw with Fiorentina.

“The Paratici affair was yet another chapter in a saga that may please thriller lovers, but which in reality darkens the whole environment,” he began.

“An agreement had been reached, the lawyers were exchanging contracts to be revised and here several points of rupture arose, especially on the clauses protecting Milan with regards to Paratici’s position within the Prisma trial, which in eight days will see a hearing before the GUP.

“Initially, things seemed to be bypass-able, but then things got to the heart of the matter and also due to external pressure (yes, there was) on Paratici’s name, here is the about-turn that is very reminiscent of the one on Lopetegui.

“Furlani in the interviews before Milan-Fiorentina said that there is still time, in reality there is little time because the planning for next season must be done now, in these weeks preceding May, because the coach must be chosen and various evaluations must be made on the current squad and on the players who will return from loans.

“Today the sporting director dossier will be reopened, with Igli Tare who would be ready to work and act immediately, Tony D’Amico who is the other highly appreciated profile, is under contract with Atalanta and a wrong move could damage the relationship with the Goddess and, on a political level, it is never a good move.

“Coach chapter. Conceiçao has minimal chances of staying, also by virtue of what was seen on the pitch after the end of the tour de force of matches.

“The name most on the rise is that of Vincenzo Italiano, followed with great attention and often emerged in the discussions with the various candidates for the role of sporting director. Conte’s stock is falling as well as De Zerbi’s, while Max Allegri remains in the background.”