Former Milan director Paolo Maldini had a suprising name in mind to replace Stefano Pioli on the Milan bench next season: Andrea Pirlo.

On Tuesday, official confirmation came in of Milan letting director Paolo Maldini go with immediate effect. The club legend had some disagreements with Milan owner Gerry Cardinale, with the biggest of those being Pioli’s position and the available budget. 

Maldini had a revolution in mind for the Milan bench, according to La Corriere dello Sport. Stefano Pioli would be relieved of his duties at the Rossoneri, with Andrea Pirlo coming in to replace him. The two had a special relationship and of course know each other from their shared time at Milan and international duties with the national team. Maldini wanted to also have a professional relationship again, but his time at Milan was cut short.

Turkey

Pirlo was supposed to start his managing career at Juventus Next Gen in 2020, but was promoted to the first team before the season had even begun. At Juventus, he managed to win the Bianconeri two prizes in his first season as a professional coach. Both the Italian Super Cup and Cup were won, while finishing fourth in the league. 

This season, Pirlo managed Turkish side Karagümrük. He left the club shortly before the end of the season, so that he could focus on finding a new team. At the time of his departure, the club was in ninth place.  

Jurre van Wanrooij | GIFN