AC Milan has initiated a significant leadership restructuring under CEO Paolo Cardinale, with internal promotions and strategic appointments shaping the club’s administrative direction. According to a statement from the club, no external executives have been hired, marking a shift toward internal expertise. The changes, first reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport and ANSA, aim to stabilize operations ahead of the 2024-25 season.
Who Are the New Directors Chosen by Cardinale?
The appointment of Marco Calvelli as the new general manager has been confirmed by AC Milan. Calvelli, previously the club’s director of football, succeeds Marco Furlani, who stepped down in June 2024. Calvelli’s role will focus on integrating sporting and business strategies, a move described by la Repubblica as “a bid to align on-field performance with commercial ambitions.”
Another key figure in the reorganization is Andrea Almstadt, who will oversee the transfer market. Almstadt, a former scouting coordinator, has been tasked with rebuilding the squad after a summer marked by high-profile departures. The club’s statement emphasized his “proven track record in identifying talent,” though no official contract details have been released.
External appointments remain limited. Giampiero Galeazzi, a long-time board member, has been elevated to chief operating officer, while Luca Mazzanti retains his role as chief financial officer. The absence of new hires aligns with Cardinale’s stated preference for “internal growth,” a strategy echoed by Corriere Milano.
What Does This Mean for Milan’s Future?
The leadership changes come amid pressure to improve results after a mixed 2023-24 season, during which Milan finished fifth in Serie A. La Gazzetta dello Sport noted that the restructuring is part of a broader “renewal plan” to strengthen the club’s global appeal. Analysts suggest the focus on internal candidates reflects confidence in existing staff, though some critics argue it risks stagnation.
Cardinale’s vision, outlined in a statement to shareholders, emphasizes “operational efficiency and long-term sustainability.” The appointment of Calvelli, who previously spearheaded Milan’s youth academy reforms, signals a commitment to developing homegrown talent. However, the club’s reliance on foreign signings—such as the $60 million acquisition of Rafael Leao in 2023—has drawn scrutiny.
How Do These Changes Compare to Previous Leadership Shifts?
Cardinale’s approach differs from the 2021-22 restructuring under then-CEO Frederic Gounongba, which saw multiple external hires. The current strategy mirrors the 2018-19 tenure of Ivan Gazidis, who prioritized internal promotions. However, this latest move is more focused on administrative consolidation than tactical overhaul.
Comparisons to Inter Milan’s leadership model are inevitable. Inter’s reliance on external executives like Steven Zhang and Massimo Moratti has drawn mixed reviews, with some praising their global perspective and others criticizing their lack of local insight. Milan’s decision to avoid external hires may reflect lessons from that period.
What Are the Implications for the Transfer Market?
Almstadt’s appointment has raised questions about Milan’s recruitment strategy. The club’s last major signing, Thiago Silva’s departure in 2024, left gaps in defense and midfield. Repubblica reports that Almstadt will prioritize “value-for-money signings,” a departure from the high-spending tactics of previous years.
