As the AC Milan squad prepares to face Inter in the Coppa Italia semifinals, significant changes are underway behind the scenes. Fabio Paratici is reportedly close to being appointed as the Rossoneri's new sporting director, a move that promises to reshape the club's future. While the contract has yet to be signed, discussions have progressed, and Paratici is expected to take the reins soon.
Paratici's first major decision will be to find a replacement for Sergio Conceição, who is set to depart as head coach at the end of the season. The speculation surrounding the coaching position has intensified, with Roberto De Zerbi, currently managing Marseille, emerging as the frontrunner. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, De Zerbi's agent, Edoardo Crnjar, recently met with Paratici in Milan, indicating serious interest from the club.
De Zerbi, who has a rich history with Milan's youth system, is seen as a suitable candidate due to his attractive style of play and familiarity with the club's culture. However, the challenge lies in securing his release from Marseille, where he signed a three-year contract last summer and is currently competing for a Champions League spot.
While De Zerbi is the primary target, Milan is also considering other high-profile candidates. Antonio Conte and Massimiliano Allegri, both of whom have previously worked with Paratici at Juventus, are on the radar. Conte, currently at Napoli, is known for his winning mentality, while Allegri has a successful history with Milan, having won the Scudetto in 2011.
Additionally, Maurizio Sarri and Roberto Mancini are being monitored as potential alternatives. Both coaches are currently without teams and could provide immediate impact if brought on board. The possibility of Pep Guardiola, who has a strong relationship with Paratici, has also been floated, although this remains more of a dream than a realistic option given Guardiola's recent contract extension with Manchester City until 2027.
The urgency for a new coach is palpable as Milan aims to revitalize its project under the ownership of RedBird Capital. CEO Giorgio Furlani's meeting with Paratici in London on April 1, 2025, underscores the club's commitment to making strategic decisions that will shape the future of the Rossoneri. With Paratici's appointment seemingly imminent, the focus will soon shift to securing a coach who can lead Milan back to the top of Italian football.
As the Coppa Italia match against Inter approaches, the pressure is mounting on Conceição, whose future with the club appears uncertain regardless of the outcome. The Rossoneri are keen to make a statement in the tournament, and a strong performance could bolster the case for a successful transition into the next season.
With the coaching landscape shifting, the Rossoneri faithful are eager to see who will ultimately take charge. The club's history is steeped in success, and the right choice could reignite the passion and ambition that have characterized Milan's storied past. As discussions continue and the season progresses, fans will be watching closely to see how this pivotal moment in the club's history unfolds.
In the coming weeks, Milan's leadership will need to act decisively. With a shortlist that includes some of the most respected names in Italian football, the club is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the transfer market. The new sporting director's vision will be crucial in determining the trajectory of the team as they aim for glory in both domestic and European competitions.
As the dust settles on the current season, the excitement surrounding AC Milan's future is palpable. The appointment of Fabio Paratici is just the beginning of what promises to be an exhilarating chapter in the club's history. With the right coach at the helm, Milan could soon find itself back in contention for the Scudetto and European honors.
For now, the focus remains on the upcoming matches, but the anticipation of what lies ahead is unmistakable. The Rossoneri are ready to embrace change, and with it, the hope of returning to their rightful place among the elite of European football.
