Paratici and Tare: The Final Contenders for Milan’s Director of Sport Role
According to Sky Sport Italia, AC Milan’s search for a new sporting director has narrowed down to just two candidates: Fabio Paratici and Igli Tare. The Rossoneri have been in need of a seasoned figure to bolster their club structure, a role that has been shared between Geoffrey Moncada and Sport Development director Jovan Kirovski. While several names have been in the mix, including Francois Modesto, Atalanta’s Tony D’Amico, and Andrea Berta, Sky Sport Italia’s transfer expert, Gianluca Di Marzio, insists that the race is now down to Paratici and Tare. Both candidates bring a wealth of experience in Serie A, making them strong contenders for the role.
Fabio Paratici: A Proven Track Record in Serie A and Beyond
Fabio Paratici, a former Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur executive, is one of the leading candidates for the Milan job. Paratici’s tenure at Juventus from 2010 to 2021 was marked by significant success, including multiple Serie A titles and a robust youth development system. His transition to Tottenham Hotspur in 2021 further solidified his reputation as a skilled and strategic director. However, his career took a setback in April 2023 when he was suspended following financial irregularities at Juventus, which led to the club’s exclusion from European competitions and a deduction of Serie A points. Despite this setback, Paratici’s extensive experience and network in football make him a compelling choice for Milan.
Igli Tare: A Lifelong Lazio Veteran
Igli Tare, a 51-year-old former striker, has been associated with Lazio since his retirement as a player in 2008. Tare’s 15-year tenure at Lazio, culminating in his departure in June 2023, has seen him rise through the ranks to become a key figure in the club’s success. His deep understanding of the Serie A landscape and his extensive network of contacts make him a valuable asset for any club. Tare has been linked with a role at Milan several times over the years, and his status as a free agent adds to his appeal. His familiarity with the Italian football ecosystem and his proven ability to develop and manage talent could be crucial for Milan’s future.
The Importance of a Strong Sporting Director at Milan
The role of a sporting director is crucial for any top-tier football club, and AC Milan is no exception. A seasoned sporting director can significantly influence the club’s success by overseeing transfers, player development, and strategic planning. Milan’s recent success under Stefano Pioli has highlighted the need for a robust and experienced sporting director to build on this momentum. The Rossoneri have been on the hunt for the right candidate to fill this role, and the choice between Paratici and Tare reflects their commitment to finding the best possible fit. Both candidates bring unique strengths and a deep understanding of Italian football, which could be instrumental in Milan’s continued success.
Paratici’s Experience and Strategic Vision
Paratici’s experience at Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur has given him a broad perspective on football management. His time at Juventus, in particular, was characterized by a focus on building a sustainable and successful club through strategic transfers and youth development. At Tottenham, he continued to build on this approach, bringing in key players and implementing a long-term vision for the club. Despite the recent setbacks, Paratici’s strategic vision and ability to build strong relationships with players, agents, and clubs make him a strong candidate for the Milan role. His experience in both Serie A and the Premier League could be invaluable as Milan looks to compete on both domestic and international levels.
Tare’s Deep Understanding of Lazio and Serie A
Igli Tare’s long-standing relationship with Lazio has given him a deep understanding of the Italian football landscape. His role at Lazio has involved overseeing transfers, player development, and the club’s overall strategic direction. Tare’s ability to identify and develop young talent has been a key aspect of his success, and this could be particularly valuable for Milan, which has a strong focus on youth development. His familiarity with Serie A and his extensive network of contacts could help Milan navigate the competitive transfer market and build a squad capable of competing at the highest level. Tare’s reputation as a capable and reliable figure within the Italian football community adds to his appeal as a potential sporting director for Milan.
The Decision Ahead for Milan
The decision to appoint a new sporting director is a critical one for AC Milan, and the choice between Fabio Paratici and Igli Tare is a significant one. Both candidates offer a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of Italian football, but their backgrounds and approaches differ. Paratici’s international experience and strategic vision could provide Milan with a fresh perspective, while Tare’s familiarity with Serie A and his proven track record at Lazio could offer stability and continuity. The Rossoneri will need to carefully consider the strengths and potential contributions of each candidate before making a final decision. Regardless of the choice, the appointment of a new sporting director represents a significant step forward in Milan’s ongoing journey to establish itself as a dominant force in Italian and European football.
