Furlani: ‘No Milan decision on director, but not happy with results’ | OneFootball

Milan CEO Giorgio Furlani denies reports that Fabio Paratici has already agreed terms to become their new director of sport, but notes they are ‘not happy’ with results ahead of the Inter clash.

It kicks off at San Siro at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.

The second leg is on April 23 and the winners go on to face either Bologna (who won 3-0 away last night) or Empoli in the Final in May.

While the Nerazzurri are on track for a Treble, the Rossoneri are languishing in ninth place in Serie A and this might be their best chance of qualifying for the Europa League.

“It is a very important match, the derby is always special and matters more, especially in the semi-final of a cup that has been one of our objectives since the start of the season,” Furlani told Sport Mediaset.

There were reports today that Furlani agreed terms with former Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus chief Paratici to take over as Milan’s new director of sport, but he tried to make it a diplomatic response.

“We are not happy with the sporting results this season, and those are the entire focus of this club, so we are working on the season coming up,” added Furlani.

“There are various preparations we are taking. We have not yet decided on anyone. I will not comment on roles or people, but we are preparing to strengthen the sporting structure.”

Milan ready to transform with new director of sport

LEEDS, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 26: Tottenham Hotspur Director of Football, Fabio Paratici looks on during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road on February 26, 2022 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Getty Images)

How will the arrival of Paratici change the role of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and why was he absent for so long in recent weeks from the Milanello training camp?

“Zlatan might’ve seemed absent to you, but not for me. We were in constant contact, we work together in total harmony. It is clear within the camp who works where, it might be confusing for those outside, but nothing has changed for us.”

Furlani was asked what exactly the role of their new director of sport will change at Milan in the 2025-26 campaign.

“In the last two seasons, we did not have a traditional director of sport, so we separated out the role over various people at the club,” he noted.

“Now we are evaluating, though I repeat no decision has been made, to consolidate those duties into one more traditional figure of a director of sport. The focus remains to work together to get better sporting results.”

This is the fourth edition of the Derby della Madonnina this season, after two Milan victories (including the comeback from 2-0 down to win the Supercoppa Italiana 3-2 in January) and a last-gasp Inter equaliser in February.