Milan Identify Top Candidate to Replace Pioli After Lopetegui Fiasco

1 week ago 13

Sergio Conceicao has become a genuine option for the Milan bench amid the club’s comprehensive search for Stefano Pioli’s successor. According to Gianluca Di Marzio’s latest report, the Portuguese manager has overtaken other candidates and is now the frontrunner to land the job.

Milan will almost certainly part with Pioli at the end of the season. The Italian’s contract runs out in 2025, but the club has already decided to continue with someone else. Zlatan Ibrahimovic has put the wheels in motion.

The Swede has several names on his shortlist after the fans’ protest against Julen Lopetegui saw Milan pull the plug on his arrival. Antonio Conte is Ibrahimovic’s favorite, but the ex-Inter coach is closer to joining Napoli as Francesco Calzona prepares to wave goodbye.

Brighton boss Robert De Zerbi is another viable contender for the job. However, Milan would have to invest heaily to lure him to San Siro, hence an interest in Conceicao. Despite extending his contract at Porto until 2028, he’s close to leaving the club.

Conceicao was one of Pinto da Costa’s leading promoters during the elections. But Andre Villas-Boas has won the club’s presidential race, which puts the 49-year-old in an awkward spot. Milan are ready to pounce, with talks between the parties already underway.

He’s now the first choice. Milan also monitor Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim, though he holds a prohibitive price tag. Plus, Rossoneri would have to beat stiff competition for his services, and they don’t have the financial capacity to compete with wealthy foreign sides.