Repubblica: Pioli’s time up regardless of derby – Conte the ‘natural candidate’ to replace him

The first loss against AS Roma in the Europa League sounded an alarm bell, albeit one that could be silenced with improvements. However, after a 2-1 defeat in the second leg, the alarm is once again sounding, and AC Milan need to find a permanent solution to a repeating problem. 

Throughout the season, the management situation has been like a game of cat and mouse. The sack looks imminent for Stefano Pioli, but at the last second, he finds a solution and escapes, somehow coming out of the situation stronger.

However, the losses against Roma make it impossible for Pioli to escape when also considering the other close calls in previous stories following the same pattern. In the lead-up to the fixture, the 58-year-old needed progression in Europe and to avoid humiliation at the hands of Inter. Now, not even a victory against the Nerazzurri might be enough.

Repubblica have today reported that a once looming figure is once again growing. Antonio Conte, who Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a huge fan of, once again seems like a likely candidate to replace the current man in the technical area.

The Italian is seen as a natural replacement for Pioli, and he has been previously reported to be one of the favourites to succeed the 58-year-old.

Another thing to consider is that the options have narrowed, with Thiago Motta reportedly in advanced talks with Juventus, meaning that a decision must be made soon if the Diavolo are to ensure their future is achieved under the hands of the best possible candidate.