(Football news) AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli has been rewarded with a contract extension for his title-winning exploits as he has been offered a two-year extension to his original contract at the Italian champions. Milan announced officially on Monday that the 57-year-old Pioli has signed a new contract with the Rossenari till June 2025. His previous deal was set to expire at the end of this season but Maldini and co were quick to renew his contract.

It is a far cry from the beginning of 2020 when Stefano Pioli was almost fired and replaced by Ralf Rangnick just a few months in charge. Milan was in advanced negotiations with the former interim United manager before the board changed their mind. That eventually turned out to be a smart move as Pioli guided Milan to second in Serie A that year and then last season won their  first title in 11 years. Pioli, who had never previously won any major trophies in his managerial career, was also named Serie A coach of the year last year. This season Milan are third in Serie A and still in the title hunt despite being six points behind league leaders Napoli. They are also on the verge of qualifying for the round of 16 as they just need to avoid defeat at home to Salzburg on Wednesday to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages.

Pioli in his managerial career has won 87 of his 153 matches as Milan head coach, with a 56.9% win rate which is subsequently the best at any club. Milan finished sixth in the Serie A standings in Pioli's first season after he took over in October as the club endured a tumultuous team before. In his second season he jumped to second in the Serie A standings and then eventually completed the great comeback by winning the league. This season despite a shock defeat to Torino on Sunday, the Rossoneri are still in the hunt to regain the title..

"Having begun this virtuous path, which led to the 2021-22 Serie A title, AC Milan and Stefano shall continue to work on this ambitious project which reflects the club's history and values," Milan said in the statement.

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