"A Devil in the Italian Way"
This is what La Gazzetta dello Sport is beginning to glimpse. Milan needs to change—not immediately, but certainly for next season. In the current one—barring incredible twists—Sergio Conceição is expected to remain at the helm, as he still has his say with a Coppa Italia final to chase and the enticing prospect of a fourth-place finish, "only" six points away.
The Rossoneri's idea is to cut ties with foreign coaches. The two Portuguese managers have not delivered what was expected, and now Milan finds itself in ninth place, out of this year's Champions League and—most likely—next year's as well. A heavy blow. That is why the newspaper is increasingly putting forward the name of Massimiliano Allegri, who would return to the Rossoneri club for a second spell after winning the Scudetto in 2011.
First, however, a sporting director is needed. The frontrunner is Fabio Paratici, who, coincidentally, has an excellent relationship with Allegri. The two have reportedly been seen together in recent weeks—were they discussing the Rossoneri? Difficult to say. Nothing is certain yet, and in these situations, it's always best to proceed with caution. The sporting director (strictly Italian or someone who knows Italian football inside out) is expected to be chosen between mid and late April.
Who are Milan's potential alternatives for the coach's position?
As previously mentioned, nothing is set in stone. While the Paratici-Allegri duo appears to be leading the race, it is not guaranteed to be the final choice. Milan CEO Giorgio Furlani will begin the selection process for the sporting director on Monday, meeting candidates to gain as clear an understanding as possible before making a decision.
With Fabio Paratici's appointment, Allegri would certainly be a possibility—but not the only one. He also has strong ties with Maurizio Sarri and Roberto De Zerbi. There is even the intriguing prospect of Conte, who, should he leave Napoli at the end of the season, would undoubtedly be a tempting option. Additionally, Cesc Fabregas—currently in his first season in Serie A with Como—is being closely observed, though perhaps he remains too much of a gamble?
