In a dramatic turn of events surrounding AC Milan's management, sports journalist Ivan Zazzaroni has revealed that a contract for former Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici was nearly finalized before external pressures intervened. According to Zazzaroni, the potential hiring of Paratici, whose ban from Italian football is set to expire on July 20, 2025, has become a subject of intense scrutiny and speculation.
Zazzaroni, writing in the Corriere dello Sport, expressed his bewilderment at the circumstances surrounding Paratici's potential return to Italy. "Paratici should not return to Italy, and I would like to understand the reason behind this," he stated, highlighting the ambiguity that clouds the situation. He emphasized that while Paratici has indeed made mistakes leading to his suspension, the question remains whether an individual who has served their ban should be permanently barred from re-entering the Italian football scene.
In his analysis, Zazzaroni suggested that there was more than just casual communication involved in the pressures that reportedly halted Paratici's appointment at Milan. "There was more than a phone call to exert pressure," he remarked, hinting at a more complex web of influences at play. This raises concerns about the integrity of the hiring process and the factors impacting decision-making within the club.
As the situation stands, it appears that Lazio sporting director Igli Tare is now the frontrunner for the role at Milan, as Zazzaroni noted. "Now in pole position is Tare. From what we know, Furlani wanted D'Amico, but he doesn't speak the languages and is under contract with Atalanta," he explained. This shift in focus underscores the uncertainty that has enveloped the club's management decisions.
On April 5, 2025, Zazzaroni posed a series of pointed questions to Milan's CEO Giorgio Furlani regarding the club's ownership and the potential implications of Paratici's arrival. He expressed skepticism about Furlani's awareness of Paratici's impending ban expiration when discussions first began. "Did Furlani not know that Paratici's ban would end on July 20? It seems that even my building's doorman was aware of this fact," Zazzaroni quipped, illustrating the widespread knowledge of the situation.
Moreover, Zazzaroni questioned why Paratici did not clarify any potential issues related to the ongoing Prisma investigation during initial discussions with Milan's ownership. "When he first sat down with Cardinale and later with Furlani, why did he not make it clear that discussions should exclude any potential fallout from the Prisma inquiry?" This statement reflects Zazzaroni's belief that better communication could have prevented the current turmoil.
Furthermore, he suggested that there were external forces at work, stating, "I am increasingly convinced that someone exerted pressure to prevent Paratici from joining Milan." This assertion raises alarm bells about the influence of outside parties in club decisions, which could have long-term ramifications for Milan's management strategy.
The ongoing saga surrounding Paratici's potential role at Milan has left fans and analysts alike questioning the club's direction. With the season progressing and managerial decisions looming large, the uncertainty surrounding the leadership structure could impact Milan's performance on the pitch.
As the club navigates these turbulent waters, the focus will remain on how they address the management void and the implications of their choices moving forward. The pressure is on for Furlani and his team to make decisive moves that will not only stabilize the club but also restore faith among the fanbase, who have witnessed a rollercoaster of events this season.
In conclusion, the situation surrounding Paratici's potential return to AC Milan continues to evolve, with various factors influencing the club's decision-making process. As the clock ticks down to the expiration of his ban, fans are left wondering if the club will seize the opportunity to bring a seasoned executive back into the fold or if they will turn their attention elsewhere.
