Milan legend Alessandro Costacurta feel that sacking Stefano Pioli at the end of the season may not be the right thing for Milan, provided that the Italian tactician reaches the Europa League Final.
Pioli’s contract at the Stadio Meazza expires in June 2025, but several sources in Italy claim the Rossoneri are considering several candidates to replace the Italian tactician, including Bologna boss Thiago Motta and Antonio Conte.
“I no longer go to Milan’s offices, but if they reach the Europa League Final, sacking Pioli may not be the right decision. I hear that he’s gone already, but I’d wait before saying so,” the ex-Italy defender told Sky Sport as quoted by IlMilanista.
Milan visit Slavia Praha in the Europa League Round of 16 second leg today after beating the Czech side 4-2 at San Siro last week.
The Rossoneri are among the favourites to win the competition, even if they’ve been pretty weak defensively over the last few months. Slavia scored twice in Milan last week despite being one man down and the Diavoli conceded 32 goals in 28 Serie A matches so far this season.
“I think there are three or four situations that help opponents create chances, it’s not just one reason,” continued Costacurta.
“I am really attracted by the new attitude Pioli is trying to have. He is trying to give Milan something they didn’t have in the past and this motivates the players. We should never underestimate the desire for motivation that certain footballers and teams have. I think Pioli has understood Milan need new challenges; it’s a growing phase where they still lack balance, so they tend to concede a lot.”
Costacurta spent almost his entire career at Milan, making 663 appearances and scoring three goals. He also won several trophies, including the Champions League five times.