Exclusive – Sarri to Milan: new scenario emerges after December’s call | OneFootball

Maurizio Sarri is one of the candidates to replace Sergio Conceiçao at Milan, even if the Italian tactician already rejected the Diavoli in December.

Former Juventus, Napoli and Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri is one of the leading candidates to replace Conceiçao at Milan next season.

The Italian tactician already rejected the Rossoneri in December, when Milan replaced Paulo Fonseca with his compatriot Conceiçao.

Sarri and Milan directors held talks before Fonseca’s sacking, but the 66-year-old turned down the club’s proposal as he was seeking a long-term project.

Football Italia can exclusively reveal that Sarri even received a final call from Milan during Milan-Roma in December, after which Fonseca was sacked.

Why Sarri rejected Milan in December 2024

BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 04: SS Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri looks dejected during the Serie A TIM match between Atalanta BC and SS Lazio at Gewiss Stadium on February 04, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images)

Milan informed Sarri that Conceiçao had accepted their offer, but the Italian confirmed he was not interested in a short-term project.

Conceiçao has signed a contract until 2026, but Milan have an option to terminate the agreement at the end of the current campaign.

The scenario has now changed, as Milan are ready to begin a new project in 2025-26, and Sarri remains interested in hearing the club’s proposal.

The ex-Chelsea coach has rejected offers from Saudi Pro League sides in the last few months and has prioritised a return to Serie A or the Premier League.

Another Serie A club, Atalanta, sounded out Sarri in the last few weeks as La Dea may need to replace Gian Piero Gasperini, who said he’d not extend his contract in Bergamo beyond 2026.

Ironically, La Dea’s director, Tony D’Amico, is one of the candidates for the Milan sporting director role in 2025-26, even if CEO Luca Percassi has reiterated that the Italian won’t leave the Gewiss Stadium in the summer.

Sarri has been without a club since March 2024, when he resigned as Lazio coach for personal reasons.

The 66-year-old won the Europa League with Chelsea in 2018-19 and the Serie A title with Juventus in the following campaign.