News Focus
- AC Milan fans will hold a large protest before Sunday’s match against Atalanta at San Siro.
- Supporters want chief executive Giorgio Furlani removed from his position.
- Owner Gerry Cardinale is expected to keep Furlani but may sack manager Massimiliano Allegri and sporting director Igli Tare instead.
- The club is struggling to secure a top-four finish and Champions League qualification.
- Potential replacements include Bologna coach Vincenzo Italiano and Atalanta director Tony D’Amico.
Supporters of AC Milan are preparing for a major demonstration before Sunday’s clash with Atalanta. The fans are angry with chief executive Giorgio Furlani. However, owner Gerry Cardinale is likely to keep Furlani in his job. Instead, manager Massimiliano Allegri and sporting director Igli Tare could lose their positions after just one year.
The match at San Siro kicks off at 7:45 PM UK time. The Italian giants are fighting to finish inside the top four positions. They need this to qualify for next season’s Champions League. Recent poor results have put this goal at risk.
Thousands of fans have signed a petition calling for Furlani’s dismissal. The supporters blame him for several problems. These include rising ticket prices and difficult new security rules. Fans also say Furlani interferes too much with player transfers. They claim he has destroyed the organised fan groups and cares more about money than success on the pitch.
Journalist Luca Serafini told MilanNews that the anger towards Furlani is very deep. He explained that Furlani’s decisions often clash with Tare’s plans for the team. The chief executive focuses on financial sustainability rather than sporting ambitions.
Despite the protests, Cardinale appears ready to support Furlani. Reports suggest the chief executive will gain even more power at the club. This means Allegri and Tare are likely to pay the price for the team’s poor form. The club is already looking at replacements. Bologna manager Vincenzo Italiano is a target for the coaching role. Atalanta director Tony D’Amico is also being considered for the sporting director position.