AC Milan have held concrete talks with Antonio Conte about the possibility of him taking over from Stefano Pioli, according to journalist Dario Ricci.
Milan are in a strange position whereby they look like potentially drifting towards another season without a trophy under Pioli, something that might just spell the end for him after nearly half a decade.
However, there are still objectives to fight for and some big games to come, starting with Sunday’s home clash between AC Milan and Napoli at San Siro.
MilanNews spoke to Dario Ricci – a radio host on behalf of Radio 24 and Il Sole 24 Ore – regarding the January transfer window and what the future holds for the side.
An opinion on the January mercato that Milan had?
“In my opinion the management moved intelligently. The sales, even last minute, were necessary in the end. Signings? Gabbia’s return is good. Terracciano is perhaps more of a gamble, but he cannot immediately be judged negatively due to the penalty against Bologna.”
What type of match do you expect from the Rossoneri against Frosinone?
“I expect a strong reaction after Bologna which, certainly, there will be. Then playing at the Stadio Benito Stirpe, as we have seen, is difficult for all teams, large and small.”
How do you explain Milan’s inconsistent performances during the current season?
“For me the injuries had a huge impact. Consider that Milan has practically never had Kalulu and Tomori, pillars of the Scudetto two years ago. Furthermore, Pioli will now have Bennacer available continuously, after practically about a season. Let’s judge the Rossoneri as a whole. Up to this point, assessments can only be partial and not definitive.”
What objectives can Milan realistically aim for this season?
“I always thought it was a team that could qualify for the Champions League and, in fact, that’s how it will be. Despite the many injuries, up to now, Milan have had a very positive season. Then let’s not forget about the Europa League: Pioli’s team has the moral duty to try. Then we’ll see.”
You mentioned Pioli, do you think these are the last five months for him as the head coach?
“I understand there are serious contacts with Antonio Conte. But, in the end, the pitch counts in football. This season, amidst a thousand difficulties, Pioli has shown very important things, tactically speaking. He has already regained his reconfirmation once, subverting every stage of advanced negotiations [summer 2020].”
