AC Milan’s limp performance in their 1-0 Coppa Italia Final defeat to Bologna on Wednesday evening is set to spark a chain reaction that will lead to the sacking of Portuguese coach Sergio Conceição at the end of the campaign.
In the aftermath of Wednesday’s crushing loss, Conceição was quizzed about his future by Mediaset and asked if he would be at Milan next year, however, the 50-year-old dodged the question, saying: “See you Sunday in Rome."
However, shortly after, journalist Fabrizio Romano posted on X, confirming AC Milan’s plans to axe Conceição after the Rossoneri’s final Serie A fixture against Monza on May 25th.
Speculation is already rife about who might succeed Conceição in the Milan dugout and below, we’ve taken a closer look at some of the suggested candidates and market favourites for the job and how they might fit in at San Siro.
Worst Fit: Massimiliano Allegri
After successive underwhelming stints under Portuguese coaches, Paulo Fonseca and Sergio Conceição, AC Milan are determined to appoint an Italian manager next – that is, at least, according to reports - and some outlets have suggested that Massimiliano Allegri could be in the running to fill the vacancy.
Allegri led Milan to Serie A title glory in 2010/11 during a first stint with the club 15 years ago, though his uninspiring style of play, as well as the part he played in the sale of fan favourite Andrea Pirlo to Juventus, meant that he failed to fully connect with the Rossoneri faithful.
Indeed, Allegri’s association with rivals Juve since and the fall from grace he has suffered as a top tactical thinker would make him an uninspiring choice to replace Conceição this summer and Milan fans are likely to push back at the suggestion if the rumours gather pace.
Allegri was labelled as “old fashioned” and overly conservative in his approach after he was jettisoned by Juventus in May 2024 and an ambitious Milan would be best to steer clear.
Best Fit: Roberto De Zerbi
A Milan homecoming for Roberto De Zerbi would be a far more palatable outcome for Milan fans this summer.
The 45-year-old, who was schooled in the Milan academy ranks as a youngster, led Marseille to Champions League qualification this season while playing an attractive brand of attacking football in France.
Marseille, who finished 8th in the 2023/24 season before De Zerbi’s arrival, were priced as long-odds outsiders in Ligue 1 outright betting markets to secure a top-four finish, but with their talented taskmaster calling the shots, they were able to spring a surprise.
From a stylistic standpoint, De Zerbi ticks all the right boxes and the 45-year-old could help to release some of the untapped potential in Milan’s ranks, while his association with the club as a youngster would make him an instant hit with supporters.
De Zerbi’s name has been hovering around the top of lists with bookmakers offering “next Milan manager” odds and betting bonuses, however, Premier League giants Tottenham are also sniffing around and Milan could face stiff competition for his signature.
Dream appointment?: Antonio Conte
Serial title winner Antonio Conte is on course to deliver the Scudetto for unfancied Napoli, who have defied the underdog’s tag they earned in pre-season betting markets to lead the charge for top spot under the fiery 55-year-old.
However, his infamous habit of falling out with his superiors is already threatening to sour his relationship with the Partenopei and Conte has already taken some very public shots at Napoli’s directors about the club’s lack of ambition.
Speaking earlier this year, Conte said: "I said a lot early on. Some still stands, some doesn't. I don't take anything back, but you learn. Like with Kvara [Kvicha Kvaratskhelia], I said Napoli shouldn't be a stepping stone. I’ve realised in eight months that many things here just aren’t possible."
Conte has made similar assertions about Napoli since, fuelling rumours that he will walk away in the summer even if the league title is secured.
That could open the door for Milan to appoint the man who landed four Serie A titles combined for Juventus and Inter, and several journalists have already hinted that Conte would be open to taking over from Conceição.
A master motivator and keen tactician, Conte comes with a strong trophy-winning guarantee and if he gets Napoli over the line in 2024/25, he will have won domestic league titles with four of his last five clubs.
Conte would be considered a dream appointment for any Italian club with title-winning aspirations and Milan could make that dream a reality this summer.
