By: Songu Michael
Stefano Pioli has been dismissed as the head coach of AC Milan, two years after leading them to the Serie A championship, as announced by the Italian powerhouse on Friday.
AC Milan declared in a statement that Pioli, whose contract ran until 2025, “will be departing after the conclusion of the ongoing season, having overseen the First Team since October 2019.”They will finish second this season, albeit significantly trailing city rivals Inter, who added insult to injury by securing the title with a 2-1 victory over Pioli’s team at the end of April.
In 2022, Pioli was celebrated as a hero for delivering the once-dominant force in Italian football their first league title since 2011. Additionally, he led them to the semi-finals of last season’s Champions League, marking their deepest run since the 2006-2007 campaign, only to be defeated by Inter.
Nonetheless, an early elimination from the Champions League this season and failure to challenge Inter for the title raised concerns. According to reports in the Italian media, Paulo Fonseca, the Portuguese coach who has managed French club Lille for the past two seasons, is poised to assume control.
The Milan board paid a heartfelt tribute in their farewell statement to the 58-year-old Italian Pioli. “AC Milan expresses sincere gratitude 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,” the statement read.
“Stefano’s professionalism and personal touch have significantly contributed to the development of the squad, embodying the Club’s fundamental values from the outset.” Pioli, who has previously managed Lazio and Inter, thanked the club and lauded the “unswerving dedication” of its supporters. Stefano Pioli expressed his appreciation to AC Milan “for the privilege of being part of the legacy of this illustrious Club,” the statement concluded.
