Milan collapses. And now Stefano Pioli risks big. The elimination in the Europa League in the derby with Roma, victorious (with merit) both in the first leg and in the second leg, further complicates the situation of the coach, who has been in the dock for months, after the early end of the Scudetto race, of the in the Champions League and in the Italian Cup.
On social media and in bars, the fans have already clearly expressed their opinion: the vast majority are calling for his dismissal. However, the company’s decision is postponed until the end of the season, so in just over a month, considering that the last day of the championship is scheduled for May 26th. The balance will only be drawn at the end, the message that filters forcefully from Casa Milan. Patron Gerry Cardinale will decide with the president Paolo Scaroni, the super consultant Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the CEO Giorgio Furlani and director Geoffrey Moncada. The decision will be collegial. And it will be taken coldly. «Be patient a little longer, then we will talk to the club» commented Pioli bitterly in the heart of the Olimpico, where he was unable to hide his bitterness at the collapse in the key moment of the season.
After the 7 consecutive victories had raised the prices of its confirmation, the last very dark week risks having completely distorted the scenarios.Even if the evaluation will be more comprehensive, broader. Not from the stomach. And it will include mitigating and aggravating circumstances, as it should be. Starting from a basic observation: Pioli still has one year left on his contract, until 30 June 2025, so it means that an agreement should be found, unless the Parma coach is called up by another team in the meantime. Napoli? Certainly even within the Rossoneri club there is a clear feeling of wear and tear. Not in relationships, which were and remain excellent. But after four and a half years, the air we breathe is that of inevitability close to an almost physiological conclusion of a cycle.
A cycle that has brought disappointments, like this year, but also enormous satisfactions like the 2021/22 scudetto and the 2022/23 Champions League semi-final. This year’s second place, if it is maintained, cannot be enough to give a fully positive rating to the season. Qualifying for the next Champions League was the minimum objective. There was nothing else.
Pros and cons Pioli
The extenuating circumstances put on the table by the Rossoneri board are, however, concerning injuries (even if Pioli as technical manager also supervises the athletic training area, under fire for too many muscular knockouts) and team revolutionized in the summer. This was the first season in the AC Milan shirt for several players, who needed time to integrate. Think of Chukwueze, Reijnders, Pulisic, Loftus-Cheek. Pioli already knows them: this is a point in his favor. The growth work has already begun. The situation is fluid.
But his chances of staying have drastically diminished after yesterday. A defeat in the derby on Monday – with the Scudetto going to Inter – could further aggravate the situation, even if the picture is already complex for him. How to say: it won’t be the derby that decides confirmation or farewell. Because the evaluation, as mentioned, will be broader and more detailed.
What replacements after Pioli
However, there is another aspect that cannot be overlooked when outlining the scenarios: a today Milan has not identified a fully convincing profile for any replacement. Antonio Conte is considered incompatible, while suggestion Jurgen Klopp it risks remaining that way, given that the now almost ex-Liverpool German intends to stop for a while. And Milan needs it now. The Spaniard Julen Lopetegui? He doesn’t know Italian football and this is certainly not an advantage. The market does not offer great solutions. At the moment. Because between now and June something could change. One thing is certain: a high level profile is needed to raise the level. So?
