Sky journalist offers update on Pioli’s future ahead of the derby: 'Milan took a step backwards'

AS Roma’s victory against AC Milan on Thursday seemed to push the Rossoneri towards a decision that they have been close to making all season – separating from Stefano Piol after five years. Whilst nothing is finalised, the future seems difficult to imagine with the 58-year-old at the helm. 

Potentially, there could be arguments that the pressure building on Pioli and Milan, in fairness, made the chances of a result in the second leg slim because the season has built up to April. Everything has been pinned on a short period to decide a future, and regardless of the rest of the month, three games mattered.

Two of them, the Rossoneri lost, and now the Derby della Madonnina awaits when the side are at their most vulnerable point. If – and it is a large if, with all things considered – Pioli can provide a performance that dispels the blow of the Europa League knockout, maybe there is a chance of the future, but this seems slim.

Today, Beppe Di Stefano spoke to Sky Sport (via PianetaMilan) about the Italian’s future with the derby awaiting.

“We are all convinced a little bit that a cycle is over. Yesterday we saw the management of the 180 minutes, the management that didn’t speak after the game, these are all signs… Milan lost absolutely playing little football.

“Overall, Milan took a clear step backwards. Barring resounding surprises we are heading towards a form of summer revolution, but not of players. We are going towards a change of technical leadership, but not because Pioli is the only one responsible.

“Sometimes you close cycles and reopen others. These are 180 minutes that make you think, plus in a few days there is one of the most important matches of the season, there is a chance to postpone the party at Inter and end the losing streak of derbies that has lasted for so long, too long.”