Maldini's suspicion now apparent for Milan [Bonus article]

Another derby loss. The final nail in the coffin for some, just pure melancholy for others. At the core of the situation that has emerged at Milan, there are two different philosophies, two different paths. To the surprise of no one, the development can be traced back to Paolo Maldini.

It’s early 2023. Milan have just lost 1-0 against Inter in the derby, defeated for the fourth time in a row and now seven games without a win. Tempers are understandably running high, but Maldini and the rest of the management continue to back Pioli and his staff, certain that the turnaround is one game away.

That ended up being the case, and the Rossoneri managed to ride out the worst storm. The rest of the season continued to be painful in many ways but just like a fluke in snooker - often sensational but always undeserved - Pioli’s men made it all the way to the semi-finals of the Champions League. As that two-legged derby showed, it was more so because of the draw than their own proper merit.

Amidst all of this, Paolo Maldini was planning for the future of Milan, unknowing that he would get sacked less than one week after the season’s end. And one of the key points on his agenda was, in fact, Pioli. Below we touch on that story.