In terms of results, AC Milan’s U.S. tour was impeccable. They beat English Premier League powerhouse Manchester City before doing the same against LaLiga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona. But, with a minute remaining from the regular 90, Milan was in danger of losing to Torino in the Serie A opener.&nbsp;



A win for the Turin side would’ve been their first in San Siro against AC Milan in league play since 1985, but Paulo Fonseca’s timely substitutions secured a point for last season’s runners-up.



<h2>Supersubs for Milan against Torino</h2>



In hindsight, the game’s two biggest turning points involved European champion Alvaro Morata. On his return to Serie A soccer, the Spaniard nearly leveled the score before a late intervention by Torino’s heroic debutant Saul Coco.



Duvan Zapata doubled the lead for the visitors moments later, but Morata, one of Fonseca’s first three substitutes, had a second bite of the cherry before Noah Okafor salvaged the point with a 95th-minute strike. As expected, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/pulisic-could-switch-to-new-position-in-milan/">Christian Pulisic</a> played in an attacking midfield role.



Curiously, all five changes by the former LOSC Lille coach impacted the late foray. Tijani Reijnders and Yunus Musah assisted the goals for the striking duo. It’d have been quite sensational had Theo Hernandez, who dropped to the bench in favor of Alexis Saelemaekers, grabbed a winner with a powerful hit. Ali Dembele prevented further damage for Torino.



For comparison, Milan only avoided defeat in half of the games they went behind last season under Stefano Pioli. Swiss international Okafor also had five goals off the bench in the 2023/24 campaign, which was only one short of the league’s best and Empoli’s lifesaver, M’Baye Niang.



<h2>Memorable Musah cameo</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240817_WST_523371_Milan-Torino-1-1-1200x675_3c2e0cf9.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-523394" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Milan-Torino-1-1-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Milan-Torino-1-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Milan-Torino-1-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Milan-Torino-1-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Milan-Torino-1-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



Special appreciation will also be reserved for a USMNT midfielder. But not for the usual suspect. Pulisic had a couple of great chances to open his tally before exiting the pitch by a fellow American. Musah’s entrance galvanized Milan’s attempt at getting back into the game.



Musah involved himself in <a href="https://x.com/OptaJack/status/1824918199940337675" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seven shots</a> playing only for 35 minutes. With Youssouf Fofana joining Milan’s midfield, Musah has to prove his worth to the new coach.



Musah dominantly played from the right flank, a position he had to fill on a few occasions last season. Earlier in the summer, Milan declined offers for their midfielder. Musah tied with Milan until 2028 and this appearance could be a springboard.&nbsp;



<h2>What’s next for the teams?</h2>



AC Milan’s next Serie A fixture is expected to write a new chapter. Their game against Parma, who drew with Fiorentina on Saturday, will be the first Serie A fixture on CBS television. It could prompt a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/cbs-primed-to-break-serie-a-tv-ratings-record-for-parma-milan/">potential record audience</a> for the league in this region.&nbsp;



Torino’s next game will see Zapata reunited with his former Atalanta teammates. The last time the two clubs met, the Colombian striker received a wine as a gift from the fans of the Europa League champions.



Earlier in the day, both teams completed transfers. Milan’s new midfielder Fofana and Borna Sosa, who replaced Ricardo Rodriguez at Torino, will likely debut against Parma and Atalanta, respectively.



PHOTOS: IMAGO

Subs saved the day for Milan in Paulo Fonseca's debut

Paulo Fonseca's Milan side drew 2-2 against mid-table Torino. Here's what happened in the Rossoneri's opener.

Subs saved the day for Milan in Paulo Fonseca's debut - World Soccer Talk

destacadas

Christian Pulisic’s journey at AC Milan has been marked by adaptability, impact, and potential for even greater heights. As the United States international enters a new phase in his career, the Rossoneri are contemplating a strategic shift that could see <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/neither-epl-nor-bundesliga-san-siro-best-crowd-per-pulisic-20240209-WST-488763.html/">Pulisic</a> take on a central attacking midfielder role. This possible repositioning aims to harness his versatility and enhance his contributions on the field.



In the 2023-24 season, Pulisic demonstrated his prowess by scoring 15 goals across 50 appearances in all competitions. Primarily deployed as a right winger, his stats reflect his effectiveness: 38 games, 11 goals, and 6 assists. He feels most comfortable in this position, delivering consistently strong performances.



But the American’s ability to play multiple positions has been crucial for the Rossoneri. On the left wing, where he has often filled in for Rafael Leao, the 25-year-old has also shown his capabilities. In just five games last season, he contributed one goal and two assists, underlining his reliability as a versatile attacker.



<h2>Nothing new for Pulisic to play as attacking midfielder</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240802_WST_519999_Pulisic-2-1200x675_30d62f35.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-520088" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Pulisic-2-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Pulisic-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Pulisic-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Pulisic-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Pulisic-2.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



The idea of <a href="https://www.milannews.it/primo-piano/un-futuro-da-10-per-pulisic-fonseca-ci-pensa-anche-leao-lo-preferisce-trequartista-e-se-il-milan-sta-cercando-samardzic-544233" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shifting Pulisic to an attacking midfielder role</a> has long been gaining traction. During a match against Lecce on April 6, ex-Rossoneir coach Stefano Pioli positioned him behind striker Olivier Giroud, flanked by Leao and Samuel Chukwueze. This strategic move paid off immediately; the USMNT captain scored within six minutes, showcasing his potential in a central role.



This performance has led to increased discussions about his future position. Thus, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/third-year-in-row-sees-pulisics-milan-crowned-fastest-growing/">Milan</a>’s new manager Paulo Fonseca recently acknowledged Pulisic’s adaptability and the possibility of utilizing him as a central playmaker. <a href="https://www.milannews.it/news/fonseca-pulisic-e-fantastico-la-sua-qualita-e-incredibile-musah-sono-sicuro-al-200-che-sara-un-giocatore-di-peso-per-noi-544175" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fonseca stated</a> during a tour of the US, “I don’t know if in our structure we can speak about a No. 10, but [Pulisic] can play in that position. We have other players who can play, [Ruben Loftus-Cheek] can play in that position. But yes, Christian has characteristics to play in this part of the pitch.”



<h2>Benefits of playing as No.10 at Milan</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240802_WST_519999_Pulisic-1-1200x675_cddbb3cc.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-520087" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Pulisic-1-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Pulisic-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Pulisic-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Pulisic-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Pulisic-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



Playing as a central attacking midfielder would require Pulisic to adjust his defensive responsibilities and coordination with midfielders like Ruben Loftus-Cheek. However, the benefits are clear. His ability to occupy central spaces allows him to be a dual threat; creating opportunities both on the left and right. This versatility makes him a valuable asset, capable of linking play and providing assists from the heart of the pitch.



Rafael Leao, a key teammate, has expressed his preference for Pulisic in a central role. <a href="https://www.milannews.it/primo-piano/leao-a-espn-pulisic-puo-cambiare-la-partita-in-un-secondo-lo-preferisco-quando-gioca-da-trequartista-544054" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leao told ESPN</a>, “I am not a coach, but I prefer Christian when he plays as number 10. From the center, he has the possibility of occupying space both on the left and on the right. I think he can be very dangerous in that position, but in general, he does very well both as an attacking midfielder and on the right. As a 10 he would give me some assists, we could play fast, with one-twos or with a touch in the middle of the pitch… he can do everything.”



Under new manager Paulo Fonseca, AC Milan is expected to continue with a 4-2-3-1 formation, similar to the previous season under <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/milan-coach-pioli-passes-up-premier-league-despite-ambitions/">Stefano Pioli</a>. In this setup, the No. 10 role has traditionally belonged to Ruben Loftus-Cheek. However, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/loftus-cheek-talks-pulisic-musah-and-milan-friendlies-in-usa/">recent preseason games</a> have seen Pulisic excel in this position, particularly in a match against Real Madrid where Loftus-Cheek played a deeper role, allowing Pulisic to shine as the central attacking midfielder.



PHOTOS: IMAGO.

Pulisic could switch to new position in Milan

Manager Paulo Fonseca has hinted at moving star attacker Christian Pulisic from his regular right-wing slot.

Pulisic could switch to new position in Milan - World Soccer Talk

It has been decided that AC Milan will split company with head coach Stefano Pioli after the season. Reports from Italy suggest that the Rossoneri met with Pioli’s representatives to inform him of the decision. This move comes after weeks of speculation about his future with the team.



After the San Siro giants fired Marco Giampaolo in October 2019, they named Stefano Pioli as his replacement. The forthcoming encounter against Salernitana will be his last with the Rossoneri. In any case, with second place already secured, the players and supporters can bid him a dignified farewell in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/argentinas-scaloni-could-take-over-milan-but-huge-hurdle-in-way/">last match of the season at San Siro</a>.



<h2>Still no agreement on severance pay</h2>



The Italian boss’ five-year tenure in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/ac-milan-tv-schedule/">Milan</a> saw significant achievements. Their incredible 2021-22 Scudetto title and last season’s Champions League semi-final appearance were not enough for the club to keep him after a lackluster campaign.



Also, the inability to sustain success this season and the ongoing struggles in the Champions League were critical factors in the club’s decision. His contract runs until June 2025, so negotiations regarding his severance pay are still ongoing, <a href="https://sport.sky.it/calciomercato/2024/05/22/fonseca-milan-calciomercato-news" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sky Italia</a> claims.



“Milan are currently negotiating the termination of the contract with Pioli and his agents, also to avoid having two coaches on the payroll,” journalist Manuele Baiocchini says. Until an agreement is reached or Pioli secures a new position, Milan will continue to pay his salary.



Previously Baiocchini revealed that the club’s total payroll expenditures include the coach and his staff’s contracts, amounting to $12.4 million. As a result, the upper management should initiate negotiations for severance compensation.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240523_WST_508676_Pulisic-Pioli-1200x670_ba46efab.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-508731" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Pulisic-Pioli-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Pulisic-Pioli-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Pulisic-Pioli-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Pulisic-Pioli.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Who will replace Pioli at Milan?</h2>



Reports indicate that Paulo Fonseca is allegedly close to succeeding Pioli, having verbally agreed to a deal. As per <a href="https://www.calciomercato.com/news/milan-fonseca-e-la-scelta-definitiva-cosa-manca-per-arrivare-all-56230">Calciomercato</a>, he will ink a three-year deal with Milan, with a net annual salary of about $3.2 million.



After turning down contract extension offers from Lille and Marseille, Fonseca has decided to join Milan instead; all because of the ambitious and medium-term strategy that the Rossoneri have presented. The opportunity to return to Italy and the assurance of a competitive squad is allegedly enough to persuade him.



A good contender to become Pulisic’s manager, Fonseca had managerial experience in Serie A with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/roma-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers">Roma</a>; in addition, he has also just had success with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/lille-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers">Lille</a>. After considering Julen Lopetegui, Sergio Conceicao, and Mark van Bommel, the club finally decided on the Portuguese.



The American owners anticipate an infusion of new ideas and a shift in focus from the newly formed leadership team under the 51-year-old. To strengthen the team, Fonseca could make several additions during the summer transfer window; in fact, it appears that he has already started planning them.



He may be looking to add a right back and a striker to his roster, Sky’s report adds. According to <a href="https://sempremilan.com/sm-exclusive-milan-12m-lille-tiago-santos" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sempre Milan</a>, the coach could likely have his eyes on Lille’s Tiago Santos, who may replace captain Davide Calabria in the lineup. The rumor mill is also still running at full steam ahead over Jonathan David’s potential transfer to the San Siro after his sensational start to 2024.



PHOTOS: IMAGO

Milan tell Pioli decision on future: What now for Pulisic's team?

It has been decided that Pulisic and Musah's AC Milan will split company with head coach Stefano Pioli after the season.

Fellow Premier League clubs Crystal Palace and West Ham could soon battle for the same manager. Paulo Fonseca is reportedly a summer target for both London-based teams. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/19/west-ham-paulo-fonseca-possible-david-moyes-replacement-manager-potter-rodgers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Guardian</a> and <a href="https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/west-ham-crystal-palace-paulo-fonseca-manager-b1075446.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Evening Standard</a> are both claiming that the clubs are interested in the coach. The Portuguese coach is currently managing French side Lille at the moment. Fonseca has the team sitting fifth in the <a href="https://www.worldsoccertalk.com/ligue-un-tv-schedule" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ligue 1</a> table, up from 10th before joining the club last summer.



<h5>Subpar seasons could mean new managers for Palace, West Ham</h5>



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/crystal-palace-sack-vieira-after-12-match-winless-run-20230317-WST-423618.html">Crystal Palace previously fired Patrick Vieira</a> following a disappointing current campaign. The former Arsenal legend finished a fairly respectable 12th in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Premier League</a> during his freshman season at Palace. However, the Frenchman found his club in a relegation the club sacked him in March. 



Veteran coach <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/hodgson-returns-to-crystal-palace-as-manager-20230321-WST-423889.html">Roy Hodgson came back</a> on March 21 and he hasn’t lost a game since. The south London team is now sitting 12th in the league, nine points from the drop zone. Appointing Hodgson was a temporary fix by club officials. Nevertheless, things may change if the 75-year-old coach keeps winning.



West Ham is in a bit of a different situation in comparison to their English counterparts. They have not yet sacked their manager. David Moyes is still currently at the helm with the Hammers. However, there is a growing likelihood that the Scot will not return for the 2023/24 campaign. 



Typically a top-half team, West Ham is right in the middle of the Premier League relegation battle. The Hammers currently sit 15th in the table, just four points from a potential place in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/championship-tv-schedule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Championship</a>.



<h2>Paulo Fonseca almost landed at West Ham in 2018</h2>



Fonseca does have a little history with Premier League clubs. The coach previously interviewed for West Ham and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tottenham-tv-schedule/">Tottenham Hotspur</a> managerial vacancies in recent years. He nearly received the Hammers job in 2018, but club brass opted to choose Manuel Pellegrini instead. Spurs similarly picked Nuno Espirito Santo over Fonseca in 2021 as well.



The Portuguese coach has brought an attractive attacking style to Lille. In fact, the club has the fourth-most goals in the French top flight (56) and averages 60.2% possession in league play. This is only a fraction lower than powerhouse <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/psg-tv-schedule/">Paris Saint-Germain</a>.



PHOTO: IMAGO / sportphoto24

Premier League clubs Crystal Palace and West Ham could be set to battle it out for Paulo Fonseca, the current manager of Lille, this summer.

ALL POSTS TAGGED "Paulo Fonseca" - Page 2

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Pulisic could switch to new position in Milan

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Milan tell Pioli decision on future: What now for Pulisic's team?

Crystal Palace

West Ham and Crystal Palace in talks with Paulo Fonseca