Exclusive: Giampiero Ventura could have been Milan Coach, twice
Ventura’s Azzurri failed to qualify for World Cup 2018 following a series of underwhelming displays, and were panned by the media and fans long before for their inability to play good or effective football.
In 2015, Ventura was Galliani’s No.1 target, as he had brought Torino back into the European fold. He was the favourite to replace Filippo Inzaghi, but Silvio Berlusconi’s decisive “no” put an end to the issue.
Sinisa Mihajlovic was eventually hired. He would go on to replace Ventura at Torino in 2016.
Galliani tried again in 2016, but Ventura wasn’t the No.1, Maurizio Sarri was. Berlusconi was again opposed, but Galliani wasn’t so interested that time either, and the Rossoneri ended up gambling on Vincenzo Montella. Carlo Tavecchio, for his part, ended up hiring Ventura to replace Antonio Conte as Italy Coach.
It’s like Sliding Doors, isn’t it? What if Milan had nabbed Ventura? Would they have made the tournament?
Gianluca Minchiotti, adapted by @EdoDalmonte