Simone Inzaghi looks safer at Inter Milan now, but city rivals AC Milan could sack coach Stefano Pioli in the event of a Champions League defeat tomorrow.
This according to today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper La Repubblica, via FCInterNews, who detail the ramifications of tomorrow’s Champions League derby clash.
Inter and Milan head into tomorrow’s semifinal second leg with contrasting momentum.
Whilst the Nerazzurri had been in crisis mode just a few weeks ago, now they have won seven matches on the bounce in all competitions.
This has massively eased the pressure on coach Inzaghi. During the team’s dips in form, the rumours mill has been in full swing regarding the 47-year-old.
However, Inzaghi looks to have robustly answered his critics. The coach has the team well on track to finish top four in the league after dropping to fifth last month.
Moreover, between the Coppa Italia and the Champions League, Inter are fighting for silverware on all fronts.
Inzaghi Safe, But AC Milan Could Sack Stefano Pioli
If the Inter coach has given himself major breathing room, the same cannot be said of his Rossoneri counterpart.
Pioli is in as tight a spot as he’s been since taking over as Milan coach.
Whilst the 57-year-old has banked a lot of goodwill by guiding the team to the Serie A title last season, their defense of that crown has been borderline shambolic.
A shock loss to Spezia on the weekend could be the final nail in the coffin of Milan’s top four hopes.
Meanwhile, Pioli and the Rossoneri’s impressive run in Europe could come to an end tomorrow. Whilst Milan will feel that they have every chance to overturning the 0-2 deficit from the first leg, they have a mountain to climb.
If Milan bomb out tomorrow, Pioli will be on thin ice.
Steven Zhang Could Have Inter Milan Lifeline
Meanwhile, La Repubblic note that Inter’s Champions League run could give Steven Zhang a lifeline at the Nerazzurri.
It has recently looked as though the President could struggle to hang on. Dealing with paying back the loan to Oaktree Capital, €350 million in total with interest, won’t be easy for Suning.
However, the Champions League earnings could change all that.
If Inter reach the final, their revenues from this season’s competition will balloon to more than €100 million. This could be enough to steady the ship for Zhang and Suning.
