Stefano Pioli will leave his post as Milan boss at the end of the season, the club announced this morning.
The move was widely expected after a season in which the Rossoneri have disappointed. They currently lie second in Serie A, but 19 points behind city rivals Inter.
Pioli’s final game in charge will be tomorrow’s season-ending clash with Salernitana at San Siro.
A Milan statement read: “AC Milan and Stefano Pioli announce that the Mister will be departing after the end of the current season, after having been in charge of the First Team since October 2019.
“AC Milan extends heartfelt thanks to Stefano Pioli and his entire staff for leading the First Team over the past five years, securing an unforgettable League title and re-establishing AC Milan’s consistent presence in the top European competition. Stefano’s professionalism and human touch have significantly contributed to the growth of the squad, embodying the Club’s core values from day one.
“Stefano Pioli expresses his gratitude to AC Milan for the opportunity to be part of the history of this glorious Club. He is deeply thankful to the ownership, management, team, staff, and everyone at Milanello and Casa Milan for their support and outstanding commitment. He also extends a special thanks to the many fans who have passionately supported AC Milan over the years, demonstrating unwavering dedication.”
𝓓𝓮𝓪𝓻 𝓜𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓻 ✍ pic.twitter.com/JzAPnqLWi0
— AC Milan (@acmilan) May 24, 2024
Pioli took over in 2019 and led the club to the Scudetto in 2022 – their first in 11 years.
A fourth-placed finish the season after was overlooked as the club reached the semi-finals of the Champions League where they were beaten by Inter.
But the gulf between the two Milan clubs this term has prompted a split, 12 months before his contract was due to expire.
Paulo Fonseca is the overwhelming favourite to succeed Pioli with some reports suggesting an agreement has already been reached.
Fonseca is the coach of Lille but has experience of Serie A having spent two years at Roma.
