Thursday’s Europa League elimination at the hands of fellow Serie A rivals Roma seems to have sealed Stefano Pioli’s fate at Milan. According to Calciomercato, the San Siro chiefs have reached a definite consensus over the under-fire manager’s farewell.
After another trophyless campaign, the Milan hierarchy has run out of patience with Pioli. Despite leading Rossoneri to a long-awaited Scudetto in 2021/22, the ex-Inter manager has failed to deliver any standout achievement afterward.
Milan’s embarrassing performance against Roma was seemingly the final straw to break the camel’s back. Pioli’s contract runs out in 2025, but Milan will relieve him of his duties at the end of the season. RedBird owner Gerry Cardinale has lost confidence in the veteran coach.
Cardinale was furious after Milan delivered a disheartening performance at the Stadio Olimpico. But his discontent with Pioli’s work dates back to December when he complained about the results as Rossoneri started losing track of runaway Serie A leaders Inter.
A few months on, Cardinale’s concerns have come to life, with Milan on the verge of another top-four finish. Yet, the title is miles away, which is unacceptable for the ownership after last summer’s substantial investments in the squad.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is already scouring the market for Pioli’s replacement. Antonio Conte, Rossoneri’s arch-nemesis, is the Swede’s favorite to coach Milan next term. Bologna’s Thiago Motta was another name on the list, but the highly-rated tactician reportedly has a verbal agreement with Juventus to take Massimiliano Allegri’s place.
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