30 January 2024 , 11:35
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Antonio Conte is being lined up to take over at AC Milan despite Stefano Pioli still being in charge at the San Siro.
The Italian has been out of work since his explosive exit from Tottenham. Conte tore into his former side during a furious press conference following a draw with Southampton.
However, it appears that he is soon set to return to management. According to Italian TV outlet Telelombardia via Football Italia, Conte is set to take the reins at AC Milan ahead of next season.
He will replace Pioli at the San Siro as the pressure continues to crank up on the club’s current manager. The 2021/22 champions sit third in the current Italian standings and eight points behind cross-city rivals Inter Milan.
It is suggested that Conte will take over in the summer despite Pioli’s contract being set to run until 2025. The former has also reportedly held talks with ex-Manchester United and PSG striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic about crossing the Milan divide.
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The 54-year-old was in charge of Inter between 2019 and 2021. He helped the side to the Serie A crown during his first full season, and also led them to the Europa League final in the following campaign.
Pioli has opened up on his future and is aware that he needs to improve the club’s position should he keep his job. “It’s difficult to say, I’d love to be in that situation!” he joked about Jurgen Klopp leaving Liverpool on his own terms.
Antonio Conte has been out of work since leaving Tottenham (Getty Images)Is Antonio Conte a good appoinment for AC Milan? Share your thoughts in the comments below
“Reaching 9, 10 or 11 years at a club and being able to say ‘perhaps the time has come to change scenery’ is an achievement. This is certainly a very intense and demanding job.
“Klopp reached 9 years, Pep Guardiola is getting there and Sir Alex Ferguson had even more at Manchester United. Each of us has to live listening to our own emotions and motivations, then make a decision based on how we feel.”
He added: “We coaches live and die on results. I know all too well how these situations go. There are always going to be ups and downs in a season, very few teams in the world can afford to lose intensity, performance and fitness levels.”
Conte’s potential move back to Serie A is expected given he hinted that he was open to a move back to his homeland during his time with Spurs. Speaking at the time, he said: "This is my second experience in England after Chelsea, and I only ever really lived in London, there is an incredible atmosphere in the stadium.
“It’s a celebration of football, so in that sense it makes you fall in love. However, you never forget your first love and Italy will always be first."