Sky Sport Italia analyses four decisions made by Stefano Pioli that didn’t pay off against Roma and confirms the Rossoneri’s results this season are probably not enough to confirm the coach beyond the summer.
Milan were eliminated from the Europa League quarter-final on Thursday after a 3-1 aggregate defeat against Serie A rivals Roma.
Coach Stefano Pioli is increasingly under pressure and refused to rule out leaving Milan at the end of the season, despite a contract expiring in June 2025.
Sky Sport Italia correspondent Manuele Baiocchini analysed Pioli’s tactical errors against the Giallorossi, identifying four questionable decisions from the Parma-born tactician.
Pioli’s errors and Milan’s verdict
The first one was Davide Calabria’s position. The Italian defender was often seen in central midfield at the Stadio Olimpico to create a numerical advantage with Yunus Musah playing as a right-back, but Pioli’s decision didn’t pay off.
Leaving Tijjani Reijnders and Samuel Chukwueze on the bench also raised eyebrows as the Dutch midfielder is one of the ‘most quality’ Rossoneri midfielders, while the Nigerian has been in shape over the last few weeks.
‘Chukwueze seemed the only one able to cause trouble for Roma across the two legs,’ noted Baiocchini.
Lastly, Pioli’s decision to put all three centre forwards on the pitch in the second half was not entirely convincing even if the Rossoneri were desperate to score three goals and go to extra time.
‘Milan were eliminated from the Champions League, they went out in the Europa League and Coppa Italia quarter-finals. They still have the satisfaction of a second-place finish if they can confirm it, but it won’t be quite enough for Pioli’s stay. Of course, they [Milan] are assessing the future,’ concluded Baiocchini.