AC Milan has officially named 50-year-old Portuguese coach Sergio Conceição as the new head coach of the men’s first team, following the dismissal of Paulo Fonseca. The appointment, widely speculated by media outlets and transfer market experts over the weekend, was confirmed Monday. Conceição has signed a contract until June 2026 and is set to arrive at Milanello, the team’s training facility, later today.
Conceição built his reputation during a successful seven-year tenure at Porto, where he claimed 10 trophies, including three league titles, making him the club’s most decorated coach in history. Known for his pragmatic and adaptable coaching style, he has guided Porto to consistent domestic dominance and notable performances in the Champions League, reaching the quarterfinals twice and the round of 16 three times. Though this marks his first coaching experience in Italy, Conceição is no stranger to Serie A, having enjoyed a stellar playing career with Lazio, Parma, and Inter. Notably, his son Francisco is currently a player for Juventus.
The Portuguese coach is renowned for employing a positional style of play, emphasizing control over every area of the field, and has primarily utilized flexible formations like 4-4-2 and 4-2-3-1. Milan’s roster, rich in talented wide players, is expected to align well with his tactics, which place a strong emphasis on wing play. Fans will also look forward to the charisma and passion Conceição displayed at Porto, epitomized by a viral video of him celebrating a league title victory with a cigar and dance in the locker room.
