Stefano Pioli, the coach known as the “Normal One,” made his final appearance at San Siro for AC Milan with mixed emotions. Despite trying to keep things normal, the atmosphere was anything but usual. Pioli took a reflective stroll on the pitch, observing his players warming up before the match. The moment was marked by unexpected emotional gestures, like long embraces with players like Kjaer, Calabria, and Bennacer, highlighting the special bond he shares with the team.
As the match approached, Pioli gathered the starting XI in a circle, motivating them and bidding farewell in a proper way. The fans at San Siro responded with a mild but heartfelt applause, showing their appreciation for the coach. However, there was an undercurrent of discontent among some supporters, with protest banners unfurled in the stands demanding more from the club. Despite this, as the game kicked off, Pioli found himself surrounded by his entire team and staff, receiving a touching and emotional round of applause from everyone present.
In the end, AC Milan secured a solid 3-1 victory over their opponents, capping off Pioli’s tenure on a positive note. The fans, despite ongoing protests, displayed a mix of emotions towards the departing coach and the club’s future. As Pioli exited the field for the final time as Milan’s coach, the scene encapsulated the complexities and contradictions of football, where even in moments of normalcy, emotions and passion run high.
