Serie A: few surprises at the top, but Milan changes coach. Fonseca sacked after Roma draw

Redazione Fonbet
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31 Dec - 07:50 • Read time2' min

The club decides to change its technical leadership, closing 2024 with some disappointment for the Portuguese coach

Serie A’s 2024 ended with a major decision shaping Milan’s future. Following the draw against Roma and a generally inconsistent period of results, the club has dismissed Paulo Fonseca. The decision was carefully considered, as a specific clause in Fonseca’s contract allowed for such a move within the first six months. This means Milan will pay his salary only until June 2025, instead of the full term of his original deal signed in the summer (which ran until 2027). The decision signals an attempt to shake up the team ahead of 2025.

Currently, Milan sits eighth in the standings with 27 points, five points shy of the European qualification zone, with one game in hand against Bologna at the Dall’Ara. However, the decision to part ways with Fonseca was driven more by concerns over the team’s playing style and inconsistent results than by their league position. The club has also faced mounting criticism from fans, who began targeting management weeks ago, including Cardinal’s leadership. Even during the recent match at San Siro, the organized supporters focused more on criticizing the board than cheering for the team.

From one Portuguese to another: Sergio Conceição is now set to take the helm at Milan. The former Porto coach, who has been unattached since the summer, has already agreed to terms with the club. He will sign a six-month deal worth €1 million, with an option for renewal at the club’s discretion. Milan will use this period to assess his performance and determine if he’s the right choice for the team’s long-term rebuilding.

It was a night of decisions and changes for Milan, as the club seeks to revive its season, though the goal of catching the top spots now seems out of reach. Atalanta, Napoli, and Inter show no signs of slowing down. While Atalanta’s 1-1 draw at the Olimpico against Lazio slightly slowed their momentum after 12 consecutive wins, both Inter and Napoli remain unbeaten. Inter defeated Cagliari in Sardinia, and Napoli narrowly overcame Venezia at home.

Meanwhile, the race for fourth place remains tight, with Lazio, Fiorentina, and Juventus in contention. Juve and Fiorentina played to a 2-2 draw at the Allianz Stadium. Bologna, with a game in hand and another postponed match against Verona, also remains a team to watch.