Pioli on the ropes after European exit and Inter's Scudetto win

Milan coach Stefano Pioli is the main target after Monday's defeat to Inter, which sealed the Scudetto for his great rivals in a dark week in which they were also knocked out of the Europa League by Roma.

Six days ago, Pioli, the coach who brought Milan back to the top of Italy two seasons ago, had a golden opportunity to reaffirm his position and vindicate his continuity next season.

Far from achieving it, the results have put him on the ropes and his continuity as 'Rossoneri' is more in the air than ever. He did not even come out to speak at a press conference after the painful defeat against Inter, which decided the league title in a derby for the first time in the history of Italian football.

"I don't know what will happen now. I'm fine at Milan, the team has room for improvement, let's see what happens," he told 'DAZN' after the game in his only statement of the night.

The chant 'Pioli is on fire' to the rhythm of 'Free from Desire' has disappeared from the 'Rossoneri' stands and, for some weeks now, the Inter fans have taken over the chant as a mockery, also remembering that the coach, once coach of Inter, was a 'Nerazzurri' supporter since he was a child.

The reality is that, although Pioli has put Milan second in the table and has restored some authority in Italy, the elimination against Roma in the Europa League, the failure in the Champions League, the irregularity of his team's play this season and, above all, the defeat against Inter - which will leave a mark difficult to erase in the history of Milan-Inter clashes - have caused a large part of his fans to lose confidence in him.

The idea he tried in the decisive match of the season, with a 3-4-3 formation with the Portuguese Rafael Leao as a false '9' generated a certain distrust that, as the minutes went by and Milan were clearly outplayed, did not go away.

With a contract until 2025, it seems difficult for Milan to renew their current coach and, according to local media, they are even looking for a new coach for next season. Among the possible replacements is the Spaniard Julen Lopetegui.

 

April 22, 2024