Stefano Pioli departs from AC Milan after five-year spell at San Siro following difficult Serie A campaign

AC Milan have confirmed that manager Stefano Pioli will leave the club following a five-year stint at the San Siro.

The 58-year-old has been relieved of his duties following a 3-1 Serie A defeat to Torino at the weekend.

That result extended the Rossoneri's miserable run of form to just one win from their last eight games across all competitions, losing on four occasions.

A statement from the club read: "AC Milan and Stefano Pioli announce that the Mister will be departing after the end of the current season, after having been in charge of the first-team since October 2019.

"AC Milan extends heartfelt thanks to Stefano Pioli and his entire staff for leading the first-team over the past five years, securing an unforgettable League title and re-establishing AC Milan's consistent presence in the top European competition.

"Stefano's professionalism and human touch have significantly contributed to the growth of the squad, embodying the club's core values from day one.

"Stefano Pioli expresses his gratitude to AC Milan for the opportunity to be part of the history of this glorious club. He is deeply thankful to the ownership, management, team, staff, and everyone at Milanello and Casa Milan for their support and outstanding commitment.

"He also extends a special thanks to the many fans who have passionately supported AC Milan over the years, demonstrating unwavering dedication."

Pioli has departed with one game of the Serie A campaign still to go, although the Rossoneri will finish in second place regardless of the result from their clash with already relegated Salernitana.

The 58-year-old Pioli, who represented Juventus and Fiorentina during his playing days, had been in charge since October 2019.

He took over at the San Siro at a time when Milan were struggling to hit the heights expected of them, having missed out on UEFA Champions League qualification in five successive campaigns.

The club finished in sixth place in the coronavirus-disrupted 2019/20 season, but followed that up by coming second 12 months later, and then lifted the Scudetto for the first time since 2011 in the 2021/22 campaign.

They have not been able to match that achievement over the last two years though, leading the club to wield the axe.

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