AC Milan have parted ways with head coach Sergio Conceição just six months into his tenure, following a disappointing end to the Serie A season that left the club without European football for the coming year.
The 50-year-old Portuguese manager, who arrived at San Siro in December on an 18-month contract, was dismissed after failing to improve Milan’s league form and suffering a Coppa Italia final defeat to Bologna.
Despite an early success in lifting the Italian Super Cup — Milan’s 50th trophy — just a week into the job, Conceição’s time in charge has ultimately been deemed unsuccessful.
In a brief statement, the club thanked Conceição for his efforts: “The club would like to thank Sergio and his staff for their commitment, professionalism and dedication in leading the team in recent months.
The Rossoneri family bids farewell to the coach who contributed to the conquest of the 50th trophy in Milan’s history, wishing him the best for his future.”
Conceição’s appointment came following the sacking of Paulo Fonseca in December, with the club hoping the former Porto manager could inject fresh energy into a side that had been underperforming domestically.
At Porto, he enjoyed a highly successful spell, winning 11 trophies over six seasons, and was praised for his tactical acumen and intensity. However, he struggled to replicate that success in Italy’s top flight.
Milan’s league campaign under Conceição stuttered from the start. Despite occasional flashes of promise, the Rossoneri failed to build momentum and eventually finished in eighth place — well short of expectations for a club of Milan’s stature.
The eighth-place finish means the club will not feature in any European competition next season, a major setback for a side accustomed to the continental stage.
The Coppa Italia final loss to Bologna further cemented the board’s decision to move in a different direction. It was seen as a key opportunity for silverware and redemption after a rocky domestic campaign, but Milan fell short on the big occasion.
Reports in Italy suggest that former Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri is the frontrunner to return to the San Siro dugout. Allegri previously managed the club from 2010 to 2014, leading them to their last Serie A title in 2011.
After recently parting ways with Juventus, Allegri is said to be keen on a return, though no official confirmation has been made.
With Inter Milan preparing to face Paris Saint-Germain in this weekend’s Champions League final, the contrasting fortunes between the two Milanese giants have only heightened the sense of urgency at the red-and-black side of the city.
Milan’s hierarchy now face a crucial summer, not only in appointing a new manager but also in rebuilding a squad capable of competing both domestically and in Europe.
The next managerial appointment will be key in determining whether Milan can bounce back from a forgettable season and reclaim their place among the continent’s elite.