Paratici meeting with De Zerbi’s agent sparks renewed Milan links amid Marseille struggles | OneFootball

Fabio Paratici’s surprising meeting with the agent of Roberto De Zerbi started fueling fresh speculation about the coach’s possible move to Milan next season.

The current Olympique Marseille manager has already been heavily linked with a job at the San Siro in the past, as he is a renowned longstanding Rossoneri fan, having also spent some seasons in their youth sector before making his professional debut as a footballer.

Roberto De Zerbi (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)

As much as his name has also been mentioned among the possible candidates to replace Sergio Conceiçao for next season, his profile appears to rank well behind those of Massimiliano Allegri and Antonio Conte in the management’s preferences.

De Zerbi’s Milan links strengthened after Paratici-agent meeting

However, the meeting between the coach’s agent, Edoardo Crnjar, and Paratici—who is likely to become Milan’s new sporting director—suggests that De Zerbi’s candidacy could be stronger than many initially expected.

Multiple reports, including those from Calciomercato.com and Tuttosport, claim that the Rossoneri are showing genuine interest in the former Sassuolo coach, as their selection process remains far from concluded.

BRADFORD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 3: Roberto De Zerbi manager of Olympique Marseille during the pre-season friendly match between Sunderland and Olympique Marseille at University of Bradford Stadium on August 3, 2024 in Bradford, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)

De Zerbi’s first season at Olympique Marseille has unfolded as expected, with the team sitting third in Ligue 1. However, three consecutive defeats have put their Champions League qualification at risk.

The struggles of a season marked by eight league losses have repeatedly fueled the coach’s frustration, potentially strengthening his desire to leave the French club at the end of the campaign—especially if presented with the opportunity to join a club he has always dreamed of coaching.