As the dust settles on a turbulent season, AC Milan finds itself at a crossroads, contemplating its future with a critical eye. The Rossoneri are not only gearing up for a decisive Coppa Italia final against Bologna, a match that could secure their qualification for the Europa League, but they are also planning for the 2025-26 season. This dual focus has led the club's management to explore potential candidates for both a new sporting director and a head coach to revitalize the team's fortunes.
Among the names circulating in the media, Maurizio Sarri has emerged as a leading contender to take over the managerial reins from Sergio Conceiçao, who was brought in to replace Paulo Fonseca in December 2024. Despite Sarri's previous rejection of Milan's advances, the current scenario appears markedly different. The Rossoneri's management is keen on turning the page, seeking an experienced Italian coach who understands Serie A and can provide the stability and success the club desperately needs.
After a disappointing league campaign that could see Milan finish as low as ninth, the stakes are high for Conceiçao, who is attempting to secure a second trophy within six months. If Milan triumphs in the Coppa Italia, it would mark the club's sixth domestic trophy in its history, a feat reminiscent of the glory days under Carlo Ancelotti in the 2007-08 season.
Conceiçao's future, however, remains uncertain. While he aims to solidify his position by adding silverware to the cabinet, it seems increasingly likely that a parting of ways could occur regardless of the final outcome this season. Milan's management is already strategizing for a new era, and the profile of their future head coach is becoming clearer: they want someone who can build a long-term project.
In recent weeks, Sarri's name has resurfaced prominently in discussions about who could lead Milan into this new chapter. The 66-year-old coach, who has a rich history in Italian football with stints at Juventus, Napoli, and Chelsea, is currently a free agent after resigning from Lazio in March 2024 for personal reasons. His track record speaks volumes; he won the Serie A title with Juventus and the Europa League with Chelsea, making him an attractive option for Milan.
Interestingly, Sarri had previously been in talks with Milan before the club opted for Conceiçao, but he turned down their proposal due to the short-term nature of the contract offered at that time. According to sources close to Sarri, he would be open to a two-year agreement with Milan, indicating a willingness to commit to a longer-term project, which aligns with the club's vision.
As Milan's management continues to evaluate potential candidates, Sarri's familiarity with the league and his ability to develop young talent make him a fitting choice. The club is reportedly considering a shortlist that also includes Massimiliano Allegri, Antonio Conte, Gian Piero Gasperini, Carlo Ancelotti, Vincenzo Italiano, and Roberto De Zerbi. However, Sarri's accessibility and proven success in Serie A set him apart from the rest.
While Allegri remains a favored option, his future at Juventus is uncertain, and Gasperini's situation at Atalanta is complicated by his reluctance to extend his contract beyond 2026. Other candidates like Italiano and Ancelotti appear less viable in the immediate term, while De Zerbi's status with Marseille does not align with Milan's current priorities. Meanwhile, Conte's ties to Napoli have also rendered him an unlikely candidate.
Milan is undergoing a significant transition, with the absence of a sporting director complicating matters. The club's hierarchy is keen to appoint someone who can oversee the new season, with a clear vision for the team's direction. The ideal candidate will possess experience, a long-term perspective, and the ability to cultivate a sustainable project—qualities that Sarri embodies.
As the clock ticks down to the end of the current season, the urgency to finalize these decisions grows. The Rossoneri's management is acutely aware that their next moves will shape the club's future, and the appointment of a new coach is a pivotal step in this process. With Sarri's name again linked to the club, the prospect of him leading Milan appears more tangible than ever.
In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on Milan as they navigate this critical juncture. The outcome of the Coppa Italia final against Bologna may influence the club's direction, but one thing is clear: the Rossoneri are determined to reclaim their place among Italy's elite and are willing to make bold moves to achieve that goal. Whether that means finally securing Sarri's services remains to be seen, but the stage is set for a thrilling new chapter in Milan's storied history.
