Rumours swirl around AC Milan as Stefano Pioli’s departure looms, potentially opening the door for a new helm at the Rossoneri. In light of this, the club’s hierarchy is exploring options, with three names emerging as frontrunners.

Christophe Galtier, Antonio Conte, Roberto De Zerbi, Maurizio Sarri… Recent days have seen a flurry of speculation regarding who might succeed Stefano Pioli at AC Milan. Criticised for both results and style of play, the 58-year-old Italian manager is unlikely to continue his tenure with the Rossoneri. Despite Julen Lopetegui, with stints at Wolverhampton, Sevilla, and Real Madrid, being touted as the favourite to land in Lombardy, Milan’s faithful swiftly expressed their discontent, launching a “NOPEtegui” campaign on social media and even circulating a petition to halt his potential appointment.

In response to this resistance, the Milanese leadership appears to be reconsidering their options. According to the latest reports from Sky Italia, three candidates have emerged as prime targets. Among them is Sergio Conceiçao (49). The current FC Porto manager, recently extended, is being actively pursued. Italian media suggests that his agent, Jorge Mendes, is working to facilitate the move. Contacts have reportedly been established with the former Lazio, Parma, and Inter player.

Portuguese Trio in Focus!

With three league titles, three domestic cups, and three Super Cups with Porto, Sergio Conceiçao—recently seeing André Villas-Boas assume the presidency—could potentially terminate his contract, which currently runs until June 2028, thanks to a bilateral clause. Another contender, Ruben Amorim, previously linked with Liverpool as a successor to Jürgen Klopp, also features on the shortlist. Although there have been no direct communications with the 39-year-old Portuguese, Milan’s higher-ups currently regard him as one of the finest managers on the international stage.

Lastly, the Lombard directors are monitoring Paulo Fonseca’s situation, currently at Lille and also eyed by Marseille. Sharing similarities with Stefano Pioli in temperament and tactical approach, the current architect of Les Dogues is well-regarded in Milanese circles. With a deep understanding of Italian football from his time at AS Roma, the 51-year-old coach could be set for a Serie A comeback. With these names in the frame, it’s evident that AC Milan’s board is strongly inclined towards adding a Portuguese touch to the club’s future identity…