AC Milan has appointed Paulo Fonseca as their new manager on a three-year contract. This decision comes after Stefano Pioli left the San Siro following a second straight trophyless campaign, finishing 19 points below champions Inter Milan. Despite being linked with other managers, Milan has chosen Fonseca to succeed Pioli.
Fonseca is returning to Italian football after three years, having previously coached Roma for two years. Although his tenure with Roma was unsuccessful, he received praise for his attacking-minded approach and eye-pleasing football. Fonseca then coached in France, where his team narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification in his first two seasons.
The 54-year-old coach will now lead AC Milan into a new era, with his first task likely being to sign a new centre-forward to replace Olivier Giroud. Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna is a potential candidate, or Milan could consider Fonseca’s former associate Jonathan David. Strengthening the midfield and defense are also priorities for Milan as they aim to narrow the gap with Inter following a disappointing league campaign.