AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli is set to depart the club a year before his contract was due to expire.
Pioli’s final game in charge will be Saturday’s Serie A fixture against Salernitana, marking the end of a significant chapter in Milan’s recent history.
Appointed in 2019, Pioli has overseen a transformative period for the Rossoneri. His tenure peaked in 2022 when he guided AC Milan to their first Serie A title in 11 years, a triumph that reignited the club’s prestige both domestically and across Europe.
This remarkable achievement was a testament to Pioli’s tactical acumen and his ability to galvanize a squad brimming with youthful potential and seasoned veterans.
However, the following season was less triumphant. Despite high expectations, Milan finished a disappointing fourth in Serie A.
Yet, the board’s faith in Pioli remained steadfast, largely due to the team’s impressive run to the Champions League semi-finals.
This European campaign, though ultimately ending in defeat to local rivals Inter Milan, showcased Pioli’s capacity to compete on the continent’s biggest stage.
In the current season, AC Milan have secured second place in Serie A, ensuring another year of Champions League football.
Despite this achievement, the gap to the champions, Inter Milan, stands at a considerable 19 points, highlighting the need for further improvements if Milan are to reclaim domestic supremacy.
The decision for Pioli to leave a year before his contract ends in 2025 comes as a mutual agreement between the club and the manager.
In a statement, AC Milan extended their “heartfelt thanks” to the 58-year-old, acknowledging his crucial role in “re-establishing” the club as a European power.
Pioli’s departure marks the end of an era characterized by both revival and resilience, leaving a solid foundation for his successor to build upon.
