AC Milan announced on that Stefano Pioli has been dismissed as head coach, two years after leading the club to the Serie A title.
Despite finishing second this season, well behind city rivals Inter, who defeated Milan 2-1 in April, the club has decided to part ways with Pioli.
AC Milan said in a statement that Pioli “will be departing after the end of the current season, after having been in charge of the First Team since October 2019.”
In 2022, Pioli was hailed a hero for securing AC Milan’s first league title since 2011 and guiding them to the Champions League semi-finals last season. However, their early exit from the Champions League this season and failure to challenge Inter for the title raised concerns.
Reports in the Italian media suggest that Paulo Fonseca, the Portuguese coach currently at Lille, is in line to replace Pioli.
The Milan board paid a warm tribute to Pioli in the farewell statement.
“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.”