London, 30 December 2024 (dpa/MIA) - AC Milan have appointed Sergio Conceicao as their new head coach after dispensing of the services of Paulo Fonseca.

A matter of hours after announcing Portuguese boss Fonseca’s departure on Monday morning, the Serie A club revealed his 50-year-old compatriot Conceicao had taken up the reins at San Siro on an 18-month deal.

A statement on the club’s official website said: “AC Milan announces that Sergio Conceicao has been appointed as the head coach of the men’s first team until June 30 2026.

“The club extends a warm welcome to Sergio and his staff, wishing a journey full of success and fulfillment.”

Former Lazio, Parma and Inter Milan midfielder Conceicao has been out of football since ending his hugely successful seven-year spell in charge at Porto, during which they won 11 trophies including three league titles.

He takes over from Fonseca a little more than six months after his appointment.

The 51-year-old, who replaced Stefano Pioli in June, departs with the club sitting in eighth place in the league, 14 points adrift of top two Atalanta and Napoli and 13 behind city rivals Inter.

A club statement said: “AC Milan announces that Paulo Fonseca has been relieved from his duties as head coach of the men’s first team.

“The club extends its gratitude to Paulo for his great professionalism and wishes him the very best in his future endeavours.”

Fonseca’s exit comes in the wake of a four-game unbeaten run culminating in Sunday’s 1-1 home draw with Roma and with his side having lost only one of their last 12 matches in all competitions.

Milan finished second last season, 19 points behind Inter, which led to the club moving on from Pioli.

Former Braga, Shakhtar Donetsk, Roma and Lille boss Fonseca was handed the reins but lasted only 24 games.

He won 12 and drew six, with four of those victories – including a 3-1 win at holders Real Madrid – coming in the new-look Champions League in which Milan sit 12th with two games remaining of the league phase.

Photo: EPA