AC Milan fired Pioli two years after winning the title

Stefano Pioli has been fired as head coach of AC Milan, two years after leading them to the Serie A title, the Italian club said on Friday.

AC Milan announced in a statement that Pioli, who was under contract until 2025, “will be departing after the end of the current season, after having been in charge of the First Team since October 2019”.

They will finish second this season, much behind city rivals Inter, who claimed the title with a 2-1 victory over Pioli’s club at the end of April.

Pioli was acclaimed a hero in 2022 after leading the once dominant power in Italian football to its first league title since 2011.

He also led them to the Champions League semi-finals last season, their first appearance since 2006-2007, where they were defeated by Inter.

However, an early exit from the Champions League this season, as well as an inability to challenge Inter in the title battle, raised concerns.

According to speculations in the Italian media, Paulo Fonseca, the Portuguese coach who has led French club Lille for the past two seasons, is in position to take over.

In their goodbye statement, the Milan board paid a touching homage to the 58-year-old Italian Pioli.

“AC Milan extends heartfelt thanks to Stefano Pioli and his entire staff for… securing an unforgettable League title and re-establishing AC Milan’s consistent presence in the top European competition,” read the statement.

“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 Lazio and Inter, thanked the club and praised its supporters’ “unwavering dedication”.

Stefano Pioli thanked AC Milan “for the opportunity to be part of the history of this glorious Club,” according to the statement.

AFP