AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli has been relieved of his duties, the club announced on Friday, marking the end of an era that saw him guide the team to its first Serie A title in over a decade. Pioli, who took charge in October 2019, will leave his position at the end of the current season. Despite a second-place finish this year, AC Milan lagged significantly behind their city rivals, Inter Milan, who clinched the title with a 2-1 victory over Pioli’s team in late April.
Pioli’s tenure at AC Milan was a rollercoaster of highs and lows. He was hailed as a hero in 2022 when he led the once-dominant Italian football club to their first league title since 2011. His success didn’t stop there; he also guided the team to the semi-finals of the Champions League last season. It was the first time since the 2006-2007 campaign that AC Milan had advanced that far in Europe’s premier club competition, although they eventually lost to Inter Milan.
- However, this season’s early exit from the Champions League and the failure to pose a serious challenge to Inter Milan in the title race raised concerns about Pioli’s ability to maintain the club’s upward progress. These issues likely played a role in the decision to part ways with the 58-year-old Italian manager.
Rumors in the Italian media suggest that Paulo Fonseca, currently the head coach of French club Lille, is a strong contender to replace Pioli. Fonseca, a Portuguese coach, has garnered attention for his impressive work over the past two seasons in Ligue 1.
In their farewell statement, AC Milan’s board expressed deep appreciation for Pioli’s contributions. “AC Milan extends heartfelt thanks to Stefano Pioli and his entire staff for their invaluable efforts in securing an unforgettable league title and re-establishing AC Milan’s consistent presence in top European competitions,” the statement read. “Stefano’s professionalism and human touch have significantly contributed to the growth of the squad, embodying the club’s core values from day one.”
Pioli, who has previously managed clubs such as Lazio and Inter Milan, responded with gratitude, thanking the club for the opportunity to be a part of its storied history. “I am immensely grateful to AC Milan for the opportunity to be part of this glorious club,” Pioli said. “The unwavering dedication of the supporters and the collaborative spirit within the club have been truly inspiring.”
As AC Milan looks to the future, the legacy of Stefano Pioli’s time at the helm will be remembered for the revival he brought to a team with a rich history in Italian and European football. His ability to inspire and lead AC Milan to significant achievements will be a benchmark for his successor.
