GdS: Pioli to reunite with former pupil as Milan get ready to change back-up goalkeepers

By Oliver Fisher -

AC Milan have already got their first addition of summer 2023 lined up as Ciprian Tatarusanu will reportedly be replaced as Mike Maignan’s deputy.

La Gazzetta dello Sport report that yesterday’s friendly against Arsenal showed that Milan need a new back-up for Maignan. Tatarusanu served the shirt with honour last season and the current campaign, with moments that contributed to the Scudetto like saving Lautaro’s penalty in the first derby, but he will soon be 37 and doesn’t offer the guarantees the club are looking for.

The first reinforcement for Milan’s 2023 summer window should come from Bergamo. Maldini and Massara have secured an agreement with Marco Sportiello for next season, so the 31-year-old should be the new deputy goalkeeper.

Pioli knows him well, as in 2017-18 – the year of the Astori tragedy – he was the starter at Fiorentina making 37 appearances with 38 goals conceded. Sportiello was the last person to see and speak to Davide in the training camp in Udine, the evening before the match against the Friulians and when he passed away.

Mirante will reunite with Pioli from June 2023, joining on a free transfer as his deal will expire with Atalanta at the end of the season. There are no certainties about Tatarusanu, but his agreement also expires in six months and the arrival of Sportiello would make him third choice.

Then there is Andreas Jungdal who is 20 and still has one year left on his contract. Pioli took him to Dubai, but someone of his age needs to play. The start of the Primavera is Lapo Nava, who has 16 appearances this season and five clean sheets.

Tags AC Milan Ciprian Tatarusanu Marco Sportiello
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