AC Milan’s Rebuild Starts at the Top: Cardinale Steps Forward
Following the dismissals of Massimiliano Allegri, Igli Tare, Geoffrey Moncada and Giorgio Furlani, AC Milan officially enters a new chapter of its history. A total revolution that, according to information filtering through in recent hours, will be led directly by Gerry Cardinale and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The American owner has reportedly decided to take a hands-on role, personally overseeing the most important decisions: from the new head coach to the sporting director and the new CEO.
A bold move, showing just how determined Cardinale is to be an active protagonist in this renaissance. The stated goal is to restore order to a structure that has suffered from too many internal short-circuits over the past four years. The Red Bird Capital owner has already met with part of the press to share his vision, confirming his intention to bring in new, young figures capable of working in harmony.
Red Bird’s Statement: “Unequivocal Failure”
What has caused the most stir is the statement released directly by Red Bird — a note from the ownership, not the club — in which it speaks of an “unequivocal failure”. Blunt words, certifying that the just-concluded season cannot be defended in any way. Milan finished the league campaign far below expectations, out of the Champions League, and the ownership has decided to turn the page decisively.
The statement also formalised the immediate dismissal of four key figures: head coach, technical director, sporting director and CEO. A clear signal that something structural must change, and that the new Rossoneri era cannot afford further errors of judgement.
Building the New Leadership: Method and Names
One of the most debated aspects concerns the order in which the new management structure will be assembled. Logic would suggest identifying the new CEO first, then the sporting director, and finally the head coach. However, according to reports, Milan appears to be proceeding differently, with the coaching role at the top of the priority list. An atypical approach, but one that may reflect the desire to build the project around a very specific technical identity.
For the CEO role, one of the names circulating most insistently is Giovanni Carnevali, current CEO of Sassuolo, known for his organisational skills and ability to develop talent. He is not the only profile on the table, however: Salvatore Calvelli, a key coordinating figure in this transitional phase, is reportedly sounding out international profiles too, reflecting the global outlook Cardinale wants to give the club.
On the sporting director front, the situation is still evolving and concrete names are few. Milan has the time and determination to find the right person — someone capable of working in full harmony with both the coach and the CEO. And that is precisely the key word: harmony. Too often in recent years, internal friction has slowed down the work and penalised results on the pitch. The new era must be defined by cohesion, shared vision and footballing expertise.
Ibrahimovic: A Crucial Role in the Transition
The role of Zlatan Ibrahimovic in this phase remains central, at least in the short term. The Swede, a Red Bird shareholder with a stake in the club, is an integral part of the decision-making process. His experience in the football world and his knowledge of the Rossoneri environment represent a valuable asset at such a delicate moment.
The hope, shared by many, is that this transitional phase can lead to a Milan that is finally solid, united and ambitious — a club that rediscovers its winning identity, puts the historic values of the Rossoneri back at the centre, and builds a lasting project. The path is set, the will is there: now the right choices must follow.
