By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Stefano Pioli has left his role as AC Milan manager, the Serie A club announced on Friday, after a season of disappointing results.
The last game in charge for the Italian, who has been Milan manager since 2019, will be Serie A fixture against Salernitana.
Pioli guided Milan to their first Serie A title in 11 years in 2022.
“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,” the club said.
“Stefano’s professionalism and human touch have significantly contributed to the growth of the squad, embodying the club’s core values from day one.”
AC Milan are guaranteed to finish second in Serie A this season but they go into Saturday’s final round of games 19 points behind champions Inter Milan.
Pioli’s contract had been due to expire in 2025, but both parties have agreed to terminate his deal now.
Milan, the seven-times European champions, bowed out of the Champions League in the group stage, as well as the Coppa Italia after reaching the quarterfinals.