Wide-spread reports have all but confirmed manager Sergio Conceiçao will depart AC Milan at the end of the season, either by his own volition, or a not-so-gentle nudge out the door from the club itself. With that in mind, we analyse some of the leading next AC Milan manager candidates for the soon-to-be vacant hot seat.
Sergio Conceiçao’s AC Milan Contract Allows the Club to Terminate in the Summer
Even after dismantling Inter Milan by a 4-1 aggregate scoreline to reach the Coppa Italia final, there is no hiding from the fact AC Milan are a long way from where they want to be this season.
Calciomercato in Italy claim that even if Conceiçao guides the Rossoneri to silverware against Bologna on May 14, he will resign himself.
It is worth noting that the ever-divisive ex-Porto man penned a deal stretching to 2026, although the club can terminate the agreement at the end of this current season.
Despite collecting some notable results since replacing compatriot Paulo Fonseca in December, including victories against Juventus and Inter, Conceiçao has failed to deliver the transformative effect needed to lift Milan. They currently sit eight points adrift of Champions League qualification in ninth, and four points behind the Europa Conference League spots.
The club’s CEO Giorgio Furlani is also still mulling over hierarchical appointments, with the sporting director role yet to be filled. This is likely to have a bearing on who arrives as Conceiçao’s replacement.
With everything pointing towards a change in the dugout, it is worth looking at the next AC Milan manager candidates being touted by the Italian media.
Massimiliano Allegri to Return to AC Milan?
Speaking to the press after winning away at Venezia last time out, Conceiçao said: “In a month or so I too will say what I want, it’s possible that I too have other thoughts, like going on holiday to the Algarve.
“But now let’s think about the championship, about winning against Bologna. Then what happens to me, to [Massimiliano] Allegri or others, doesn’t concern me. Why Allegri? Because people always talk about him.”
It is certainly no coincidence that the incumbent name-dropped his potential successor, given he has been one of the most talked about candidates to take over at Milan.
Allegri has been jobless since being sacked by Juventus last summer, but his managerial resumé in Italy speaks for itself.
Five Serie A titles for the Old Lady, along with one during his tenure Milan between 2010 and 2014 is about as good as it gets when sifting through available candidates.
The worry is, at least since his acrimonious exit last summer, his powers have waned. Allegri is a disciple of the Italian football of yesteryear, and during one of Juventus’ most tumultuous periods, his fiery attitude and divisive behaviour lost him the dressing room.
You only have to look at his actions during Juve’s 2024 Coppa Italia win, where he launched a furious tirade aimed at the referees, threatened a journalist and waved off sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli.
Allegri would no doubt be represent a proven safe pair of hands after two consecutive left-field appointments, but the feeling is most Milan fans are eager for a foundational, long-term replacement.
Maurizio Sarri Enters the Frame For Milan Job
Reports in Italy this week have no doubt raised eyebrows, with Maurizio Sarri being strongly linked with the AC Milan job.
The former Juventus and Chelsea manager, much like Allegri, has been without an employer for over a year. His most recent tenure at Lazio was largely successful having led them to their highest finish since 2000 and, qualification to the Champions League.
The belief is that Milan are eager to install an Italian manager, which also explains why Allegri is so high on their list. Sarri fits that bill too, and he knows how to navigate both knockout and league competitions having tasted success with Juventus and Chelsea domestically, and on the continent.
Again, his appointment may not be the most appealing given a more youthful, forward-thinking appointment would be the preference. However, his strong track record could just be the steady arrival they need to climb back to their ‘rightful’ position.
Cesc Fabregas is a Fan Favourite Option
There are several current managers in Serie A who are making waves at this moment in time, and it would be hard to ignore the lure of Cesc Fabregas. Reports even suggest Roma have already made contact as they look to replace Claudio Ranieri.
The respect he commands as a player who won it all during his career has continued into his managerial endeavours. Since ending his playing days surrounded by peaks cloaked in green and glimmering alpine lakes, Fabregas has found a home in Como.
From player, to interim coach, to full time manager, Cesc has been a crucial part of Como returning to the top-flight for the first time in over two decades — and with very limited resources.
Having spent much of his career doing the same, the 2010 World Cup winner has employed an effective 4-3-3 system, underpinned by incisive technical phases and maintaining an aggressive, compact midfield.
A unique blend of veterans and youthful exuberance has been key to Como’s success, which likely means a potential transition to Milan could be a seamless one, given their current cohort.
There is talent in abundance at AC Milan, and many believe Fabregas has the tactical nouse to unlock it.
Luring him away from a club where his heart clearly lies as a manager and minority shareholder will prove difficult, and costly, particularly with three years left on his current contract.
He also recently insisted he is committed to Como amid interest from Roma and Milan.
Vincenzo Italiano Quickly Becoming a Wanted Man
Vincenzo Italiano’s meteoric rise in the world of management shows no signs of letting up.
Having led Fiorentina to consecutive European Conference League finals, along with a Coppa Italia final appearance, the 47-year-old has been agonisingly close to picking up major silverware in recent years.
After swapping Florence for Bologna last summer, he has made them a formidable force in Italy.
They are set to play Milan in the Coppa Italia final — the club’s first in half a century — on May 14, which could act as another audition for the AC hotseat. Bologna are also chasing Champions League qualification for the second season in a row, with the Rossoblú currently one point off Juventus in fifth.
Italiano has combined exceptional results with intoxicating football wherever he has landed, deploying possession-based systems with creativity and on-the-ball accumen expected all over the pitch, no matter who has it at their feet.
A former director of his even labelled him “un piccolo Pep” — or ‘little Pep’ — after his managerial style has been likened to Pep Guardiola.
Much like Fabregas, prizing him away from Bologna will prove an arduous task given the club are expected to offer him an extension — keeping him in Emilia-Romagna until 2027 — with a view to leading their ambitions for a Scudetto.
