The AC Milan leadership must make a decision regarding the future of Stefano Pioli ahead of next season and there are two potential replacements that the fans seem excited about, a report claims.

Milan seem to be stuck in a cycle at the moment whereby a damaging result will put Pioli back under the microscope, then a good run of form will follow to distance any talk of him being sacked, before another loss reopens the same doubts.

This morning’s edition of Tuttosport (via PianetaMilan) reports that we are ‘reading signs’ of a coach arriving at the end of his cycle at a club and at the end of the season it is highly likely that Milan will move on from Pioli.

A strong signal would be necessary from the owners and management to show the fans that they are committed to winning and in the short term too, with Antonio Conte perhaps the name capable of rekindling enthusiasm.

Thiago Motta would also be looked upon favourably by supporters because his work at Bologna – who are in the mix for a top four spot – plus his style of play is something that cannot fail to be taken into consideration by Zlatan Ibrahimović, Giorgio Furlani, Geoffrey Moncada and Antonio D’Ottavio .

Finally, Roberto De Zerbi is a name that would also generate plenty of enthusiasm but he is in the sights of some big names in the Premier League and it seems difficult for him to arrive.