AC Milan is reportedly at a crossroads, with internal power dynamics potentially leading the club in three distinct directions. These scenarios center around consolidating power with CEO Giorgio Furlani, empowering Zlatan Ibrahimović, or potentially seeing the return of Adriano Galliani. In all projected outcomes, current Sporting Director Igli Tare is expected to leave his position.
Behind the scenes at Milan, a complex web of power struggles is reportedly causing significant upheaval. Tensions have flared between various key figures, including special advisor Zlatan Ibrahimović and head coach Max Allegri, as well as between CEO Furlani and Sporting Director Tare.
A key shift in the club’s dynamics is attributed to RedBird chief Gerry Cardinale refinancing a vendor loan previously secured from Elliott Management for the club’s acquisition. This financial move has reduced Cardinale’s obligation to heavily consider the Elliott-aligned board members, which includes Furlani.
Significantly, in all three discussed potential scenarios for the club’s future leadership, Sporting Director Tare would be dismissed, marking a tenure of less than a year.
Scenario A: Furlani Consolidates Power
This path would see Giorgio Furlani strengthening his authority within the club. This consolidation could lead to the dismissal of current coach Max Allegri and the recruitment of Bologna’s coach Vincenzo Italiano, potentially alongside Tony D’Amico, the current director at Atalanta.
Scenario B: Ibrahimović Takes a Stronger Role
Under this scenario, Zlatan Ibrahimović would assume a more prominent role in the club’s operational management, working closely with Geoffrey Moncada. Similar to Scenario A, Ibrahimović would also look to replace Allegri as head coach. The ambition would be to bring in Fiorentina’s director of sport, Fabio Paratici, though this move is considered challenging.
Scenario C: The Return of Galliani
The most intriguing prospect involves Gerry Cardinale making a sweeping change, potentially replacing Furlani with the return of Adriano Galliani, the long-time right-hand man of the late Silvio Berlusconi. Galliani was instrumental in AC Milan’s successes from 1986 to 2017, and subsequently followed Berlusconi to Monza from 2018 to 2025. This scenario would likely see Allegri retained as coach, with Giovanni Rossi, formerly of Sassuolo, being considered for the Sporting Director role.