A loss to Inter Milan in the derby could be the final nail in the coffin of Paulo Fonseca at AC Milan, with Maurizio Sarri waiting in the wings.
This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
Milan appointed former Roma coach Fonseca in the summer. They brought the Portuguese tactician in as a replacement for Stefano Pioli on the bench.
Fonseca had won plaudits for the job he had done as coach of Lille.
The 51-year-old had plenty of Serie A experience with three seasons on the bench of the Giallorossi.
And Fonseca had also coached the likes of Porto and Shakhtar Donetsk.
But so far, things have not gone according to plan for the Milan coach.
Naturally, the Rossoneri have shown some patience with the team’s start. A couple of bad early results were hardly enough to cause them to act rashly and sack Fonseca.
But a loss to Liverpool in the Champions League in midweek looks to have pushed things close to the breaking point.
More important than the results, the Gazzetta notes, have been the confused performances from the team. As well as a sense of unrest behind the scenes.
Inter Could Be Last Stand For Fonseca At Milan – Sarri Waiting In The Wings
This evening Milan face Inter in the derby.
Derby clashes are always unpredictable. If there is a fixture where Milan’s miserable form thus far in the campaign would mean little it is probably this one.
And if Milan were to secure an upset win, it could very well save Fonseca’s job. Or at least buy the former Roma coach some time.
But a defeat could spell the end.
Particularly if Milan’s performance resembles those they’ve put in so far, up against their city rivals who have looked far more solid, Milan’s ownership could decide to pull the trigger.
And if Fonseca is to be on his way out, the Gazzetta note that there is a big name “in the shadows” waiting to replace him.
Milan could turn to former Napoli, Juventus, and Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri.