It was a surprise news, but maybe not so surprising after Stefano Pioli's Milan recent results. After the lockdown, Milan has collected seven wins and three draws, ensuring the access to the next Europa League.
These important results led to the renewal of Pioli's contract until 2022, as Milan has officially communicated after the win against Sassuolo. Ivan Gazidis, in Milanello alongside with president Paolo Scaroni, d.t. Paolo Maldini and d.s. Frederic Massara, has explained the choice to Ansa microphones: "Stefano Pioli has always been a candidate for the future, to build our vision of a competitive and modern AC Milan. In my role as a.d. I have the duty to evaluate all the options for the good of the team, but I've always had an excellent relationship with Stefano and I've always considered him as an extraordinary professional, a real leader and so an absolute candidate to be Milan coach".
Gazidis denied the possibility of existing agreements with Ralf Rangnick, and consequently the possibilty to pay penalties to Red Bull sports director: "In the past I had some contacts with other possible candidates, but there has been too much media speculation, as I have never signed agreements or pre-agreements with other coaches. I deny the existence of economic commitmens or penalties for the club. Pioli has been my first choice as Milan coach, and I'm happy we made sure of his skills for our future project".
