AC Milan have parted company with head coach Sergio Conceicao after just half a season in charge.
The 50-year-old Portuguese manager took the reins in December, replacing Paulo Fonseca, who lasted only six months himself.
Conceicao’s dismissal comes after Milan finished a dismal eighth in Serie A, missing out on European qualification for the 2025-26 season.
His tenure began with promise, notably lifting the Supercoppa Italiana after a dramatic 3-2 win over Inter in January.
However, results quickly unravelled.
Milan were knocked out of the Champions League play-off round by Feyenoord the following month, and fell short in the Coppa Italia final, losing to Bologna.
The club confirmed his departure with a brief statement thanking Conceicao and his staff for their efforts and professionalism.
They also acknowledged his role in delivering Milan’s 50th major trophy, but the achievement was not enough to secure his long-term future.
Conceicao had previously enjoyed significant success at Porto, winning 11 trophies in six years, but was unable to replicate that consistency in Italy.
His sacking continues a turbulent period at Milan, who also dismissed Scudetto-winning coach Stefano Pioli last summer.
RedBird Capital’s ownership has come under intense scrutiny from supporters during this chaotic spell.
Before their final Serie A match of the season, thousands of Milan ultras marched from Casa Milan to San Siro in protest.
Fans unveiled banners and spelled out the words “Go Home” in the Curva Sud, demanding that owner Gerry Cardinale sell his stake in the club.
There were also chants in support of former captain Paolo Maldini, sacked as a director last year, and the late Silvio Berlusconi, who oversaw the club’s golden era.
The unrest off the pitch has mirrored the instability on it.
Since winning the Serie A title in 2022, Milan have managed just one trophy — this season’s Supercoppa — in three years.
Reports in Italy suggest former boss Massimiliano Allegri, recently dismissed by Juventus, could return to San Siro.
Meanwhile, the club have appointed ex-Lazio sporting director Igli Tare to help steer a new course.
Conceicao departs with only six wins in his final 17 league matches, leaving Milan at a crossroads once again.
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