AC Milan has announced the appointment of Portuguese manager Sérgio Conceição as the new head coach of the club until June 30, 2026, following the dismissal of Paulo Fonseca after the 1-1 draw with Roma on Sunday.

"The AC Milan announces that it has entrusted Sérgio Paulo Marceneiro da Conceição with the technical direction of the men's first team until June 30, 2026," the club stated on its website.

"Milan extends a warm welcome to Sérgio and his team, wishing them a successful and rewarding experience," the statement continued.

Conceição, a former player for Milan's arch-rivals Inter, steps into a club in crisis, sitting eighth in the league with 27 points, 14 points behind the leaders, 8 points off Champions League spots, and just one win in their last four matches.

His name had been linked with the Milan job earlier in the season, but the club opted for Fonseca at the time. According to local reports, Conceição, who has been without a team since June, turned down multiple offers, including one from English side Wolves, to take over at Milan.

The primary goal for the new manager will be to get the team back on track to challenge for a Champions League spot, with Milan currently outside the top four. Conceição's first challenge comes quickly, as Milan will face Juventus in the Supercoppa Italiana semifinals on January 3, a special game for the new manager as he will be facing his son, Francisco Conceição, who plays for Juventus under manager Thiago Motta.

Should Milan advance, they will face the winner of the Inter Milan vs Atalanta match in the final on January 6, where Conceição could lift his first trophy just a week into his new role.

Conceição arrives with an impressive track record, having been the most successful manager in Porto’s history. In his seven years at the helm, he won 10 titles, including 3 Portuguese league titles, making him the club's most decorated coach. He also holds the record for most points in a Portuguese league season, with 91 points.