AC Milan, Scaroni: “Next sporting director? Decision soon. Great relationship between Ibra and Furlani”

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Speaking from the stage of Il Foglio at San Siro, AC Milan president Paolo Scaroni addressed a wide range of topics, from the current season and supporter resilience to stadium redevelopment, squad strategy, and the role of Zlatan Ibrahimović.

Supporters and Season Perspective
“The fans are at the centre of everything,” Scaroni said. “Having them by our side during such a complicated season shows real resilience. I’d also remind everyone that we won the Supercoppa – so I wouldn’t define this campaign as entirely negative.”

Cleaning Up the Curva and Embracing Technology

Scaroni also commented on the recent investigations into organised activity within the curva, noting that both Milan and Inter have faced similar challenges.
“It’s a problem for us – and perhaps for other clubs too. The judiciary has stepped in, and I can only thank them. We want stadiums to be safe spaces for families, and criminal collusion is the last thing we want. We’re using these obligations to clean house. Facial recognition is among the measures we’ll implement to keep violent or criminal individuals out of the stadium.

“When we have the new stadium, that will be the decisive step. In England, hooliganism was largely eradicated when modern stadiums were built. For us, it will be an epochal transition.”

Squad Building: Learning from Success and Setbacks

Asked how Milan plan to strengthen the sporting project, Scaroni admitted that not all signings have worked out.
“Being active is one thing, being successful is another. Some transfers were hits – players who’ve contributed and become part of Milan’s long-term vision. Others, like the Morata situation, didn’t work out for various reasons. Football is sometimes about chemistry and unpredictability. We’ll continue this policy, focusing on young talent. Furlani and Ibra will lead the process, and we’re determined to have a great season next year.”

Ibrahimović’s Role and Sporting Director Search

Scaroni reaffirmed Zlatan Ibrahimović’s strong influence at the club.
“He’s a consultant for RedBird, working closely with Milan. He was a champion on the pitch, and he’s proving to be one off it too. I’ve read stories of tensions, but from what I see, the atmosphere is very positive.”

Regarding the ongoing search for a new sporting director, Scaroni confirmed that no decision has yet been made: “We’re looking around to identify the most qualified individuals. The decision will come in the coming weeks.”

The New Stadium: Back to San Siro

Milan’s stadium saga appears to be coming full circle, with renewed hope for a new venue on the current San Siro site.
“After a long journey of ups and downs, we’re back to our original idea – building a new stadium here, continuing to play at the Meazza until it’s ready, then moving in. The current site would be redeveloped, preserving parts of the old stadium and adding amenities like a hotel. I’m more optimistic now than I was last year. Why? Because this project now has the backing not just of Milan and Inter, but of the city council and Mayor Sala. He wants to give Milan a magnificent stadium, and this city – a capital of world football – deserves it.”

Scaroni firmly ruled out renovating the existing Meazza: “It’s simply not feasible to carry out major works while 70,000 fans are coming in every three days. It’s a public safety risk. Unless we had a temporary 40,000-seat stadium nearby, which we don’t, renovation is off the table.”

Broadcast Piracy: Time to Enforce the Law

On the persistent issue of illegal streaming, Scaroni was clear: “The law exists, but it’s not properly enforced. Those who provide the streams are pursued, but those who consume them rarely face consequences. Authorities must act – if this doesn’t change, we’ll continue to fall behind.”

Building Around Talent – Leão, Reijnders, Pulisic
Finally, Scaroni was asked about the players Milan will build their future around.
“There are several names. Reijnders and Pulisic, both of whom I’ve been asked about, have had excellent seasons. And Leão – he excites our fans. Sometimes, we all need that emotional spark, and he delivers. But let’s not forget the importance of the team – it’s always about the collective.”