Conte ‘opportunity’ and a ‘top-level solution’ – Milan’s options after Lopetegui U-turn

AC Milan have slowed down their pursuit of Julen Lopetegui and now several other alternative names have emerged with the process reopen, a journalist has claimed.

According to the latest from TMW’s Niccolo Ceccarini, Lopetegui was the main candidate but then the reaction of the fans led the club to reflect, with the chances of the Basque coach arriving now dropping quite sharply.

Antonio Conte ‘remains an opportunity’ by virtue of the fact that he wants to return to management after spending a year off, but Napoli are pushing hard for the Italian. The Partenopei also consider Stefano Pioli as an alternative to Conte, as per the journalist.

Paulo Fonseca of Lille is an idea gaining moments among the Milan management. The Portuguese coach is a ‘top-level solution’ and above all he has no contractual constraints given that he will leave when his deal expires at the end of next month.

Mark van Bommel ‘should not be underestimated’ as an option, but a name that ‘certainly deserves attention’ is that of Roberto De Zerbi. He has a deal with Brighton until June 2026 with a €15m release clause active. Milan are doing thieir assessments while waiting to take the definitive path.