Fonseca and Abate on Milan radar to replace Pioli

Former Roma coach Paulo Fonseca, currently at Lille, is emerging as one of the options for Milan to replace Stefano Pioli, along with a promotion for Ignazio Abate.

Following the Europa League quarter-final double defeat to Roma last night, few believe that Stefano Pioli will remain on the Rossoneri bench next season.

The race is on to find his replacement, with names mentioned including Antonio Conte and Bologna’s Thiago Motta.

This evening, Calciomercato.com claim that Milan are looking at Portuguese tactician Fonseca, who already has experience of Serie A at Roma from 2019 to 2021.

He took time out for a year and then was given the job at French side Lille, who have qualified for the Conference League semi-finals.

Another candidate for the Milan role is Abate, a former player who is currently the coach of the Primavera youth team.

He has taken Milan to their first ever UEFA Youth League Final, which will be against Olympiacos on Monday.

Curiously, the Rossoneri won all three of the knockout rounds on penalty shoot-outs against Braga, Real Madrid and FC Porto.