As highlighted by today’s edition of Gazzetta dello Sport (see photo below), Wednesday’s defeat against Bologna was a strong blow for the Milan project. With European football now unlikely for next season, massive changes will have to be made, with the budget in mind more than ever.
The Rossoneri know that the appointment of Sergio Conceicao’s replacement cannot go wrong, seeing as they need stability to get the project back on track. The decision to focus on an Italian coach, and a deep connoisseur of Serie A, had already matured for some time. And it remains the foundation.
Indeed, the list of candidates has narrowed further in the last few weeks, with Milan not only looking for an Italian, but also a winner. Italiano, as such, is also part of this restricted circle of names even if he had been on the shortlist before Wednesday’s win as well.
If anything, his candidacy was only strengthened after the performance at the Olimpico, given how he managed the game tactically. Previously, the 47-year-old had lost two Conference League finals and one Coppa Italia final, so the importance of the win is clear.
He may not have the same track record as Carlo Ancelotti or Max Allegri, but he still knows how to keep the team on edge until the end to achieve great goals. He has a contract with Bologna until 2026 and there have been talks about a renewal, but if Milan were to call.
In addition to Italiano, Milan are also keeping a close eye on Allegri. He has been on their radar for months, really, as the former Rossoneri coach is looking to relaunch his career with a big club. With six Scudetti and two Champions League finals reached, his record speaks for itself.
Allegri would also be an important ‘lightning rod’ for the club, as the newspaper continues, which he learned to do well during his second experience at Juventus. With or without a sporting director at his side, Allegri is an absolute guarantee.
Other alternatives? Conte is destined for Juventus if he leaves Napoli, while Sarri and De Zerbi’s stocks have lost strength. Gasperini remains, but he could even stay at Atalanta and is also in Roma’s sights for the post-Ranieri era.
