AC Milan considered current Spain boss Luis de la Fuente as a candidate to replace Stefano Pioli in 2024, before the coach went on to achieve stunning international success, according to reports in Italy.
When Pioli ended his five-year spell at the end of the 2023/24 season, Milan's hierarchy assessed several options. Julen Lopetegui was the initial first choice, with Paulo Fonseca ultimately getting the job. But De la Fuente's name was among those given genuine thought, as per Il Giornale, via CalcioMercato.
The idea never progressed, as the Spaniard was preparing for a Euro 2024 campaign that would culminate in glory. Now, two years on, the sliding-doors quality of that decision is stark.
De la Fuente's meteoric rise
Since stepping up from Spain's youth ranks in 2023, De la Fuente has guided his nation to a European Championship, a Nations League title, and now the World Cup 2026 final against Argentina. His career, built almost entirely within the Spanish federation, includes European titles at Under-19 and Under-21 level and an Olympic silver medal.
His ability to maximise a collective—blending young stars like Lamine Yamal with seasoned pros—has been the hallmark of a coach who was once an outsider for top club jobs.
Milan's turbulent bench
By contrast, Milan's path has been far less certain. Fonseca lasted less than a season before being sacked, and the club eventually turned to Ruben Amorim. While Amorim brings promise, the Rossoneri have cycled through managers without the sustained success De la Fuente has enjoyed on the international stage.
“According to Il Giornale, De la Fuente was on Milan's radar as far back as 2024,” notes Football Italia. “But his commitment to Spain's Euro campaign meant the approach never materialised.”
What might have been
The revelation highlights how close Milan came to landing a coach who is now on the brink of world champion status. While De la Fuente prepares for Sunday's final, Milan continue their rebuild under Amorim, left to wonder what might have transpired had they pursued the Spaniard more aggressively.
