AC Milan add Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi to its ‘shortlist’ of managers to succeed outgoing coach Stefano Pioli… as Italian side ‘identify several alternatives to Julen Lopetegui’
AC Milan have reportedly identified Roberto De Zerbi as one of several managers who could succeed outgoing boss Stefano Pioli.
Julen Lopetegui had also been heavily linked with a move to take over the Serie A giants, but in recent days it appears Milan are “looking at alternative options to the former Wolves boss”, according to Gazzetta Dello Sport.
Reports claim that Pioli is set to step down as Milan head coach at the end of the season. The decision came after the Italian side were beaten by neighbors Inter Milan 2-1 last week, with the victory also securing their rivals the Serie A title.
But speculation that Lopetegui could be named as Milan’s next boss has caught the attention of many Milan fans. Supporters took to social media with the hashtag “#Nopetegui”, while a petition was reportedly posted online and garnered 10,000 signatures in less than 48 hours.
AC Milan are reportedly interested in adding Roberto De Zerbi to their shortlist.
It comes as Stefano Pioli reportedly leaves the Italian football club later this summer.
Speculation was also growing that the Serie A side could turn their attention to Julen Lopetegui.
It appears, according to the Gazzetta, that the Serie A side will instead turn to several other managers, one of which includes Brighton boss De Zerbi.
The outlet claims the move to Milan would be “one that fascinates” De Zerbi, but they add that the Rossoneri would be required to “meet his £12m (€15m) release clause”.
He is joined by Paulo Fonseca, with Mark Van Bommel, the Brighton boss having already been linked with a move to Manchester United, should the Red Devils part ways with Erik ten Hag.
De Zerbi was also touted as a serious candidate to succeed Jurgen Klopp before the Reds swooped in to land Arne Slot from Feyenoord.
The former Sassuolo manager is coming to the end of his second season in charge of Brighton and has struggled to build on the success his side enjoyed last season, finishing sixth while qualifying for the Europa League .
The Seagulls were recently knocked out of the Europa League, following a 4-1 defeat to Roma in the round of 16, and have dropped to 12th place this season, having not won a single game since their 1-0 win against Nottingham Forest at the AMEX Stadium. on March 10.
Yet De Zerbi has already warned Brighton that they must live up to his ambitions if they want him to remain in charge of the club next season. Bayern Munich are also monitoring the Italian coach, who has two years left on his contract at AMEX.
‘What is the target? What are we playing for (for what)? » said De Zerbi when asked what made him doubt at the start of this season.
“I have already spoken with Tony and in the future we will talk about the next plan and the next season and the organization of the next season and then we will find the solution. We both have to be happy (with the goals ) – me and the club.
Lille manager Paulo Fonseca seen as another option AC Milan could turn to
Mark Van Bommel, who currently manages Royal Antwerp, is another name on Milan’s shortlist.
De Zerbi, who could be available for £12million, has previously ruled out an immediate move to Italy
He continued: “I have two years left on my contract and to work next season at Brighton I don’t need to extend another year or two years.” I can stay, I can work in Brighton with an extension, without an extension, nothing changes.
“At the moment we have finished the contract discussion, but not because I have already decided to leave, no no.
“My focus is on Brighton for this season and next season – but next season, before we start, I would like to talk and listen to the team plan.” I think it’s a serious thing.
Despite this, De Zerbi claimed in March that he had no immediate plans to make a return to Serie A, having come through the youth ranks at AC Milan in his youth.
The Italian boss has two years left on his contract at the AMEX stadium.
De Zerbi said he wants Tony Bloom (pictured) and Brighton to live up to his ambitions
“It’s not true that I don’t think about it,” said the 44-year-old when asked about his return to the Italian elite.
“But I usually do what makes me happy and right now that’s where I am.”
“One day I will return to Italy. I don’t know when but when I made the choice to go to Shakhtar, I did it because I wanted to find a way out of Italy.
