Pioli Signs Contract Extension at AC Milan until 2023

AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli. (Reuters)
AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli. (Reuters)
TT

Pioli Signs Contract Extension at AC Milan until 2023

AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli. (Reuters)
AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli. (Reuters)

AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli has signed a new contract to stay at the club until 2023, with an option for a one-year extension, the Serie A side confirmed on Friday.

"I'm proud of the work we've done until now, with the good relationship I have with the management, with the growth of my players and with the passion displayed by everyone working at this incredible club," Pioli said.

Pioli has impressed in northern Italy since taking charge in 2019, steering the Italian giants back into the Champions League this season for the first time since the 2013-14 campaign.

Their second-placed finish in Serie A last season under Pioli was Milan's highest since 2012 when they were coached by the now Juve manager Massimiliano Allegri.

This season, domestically, Milan have carried on where they left off last term, sitting level on points with leaders Napoli after 13 matches, having only lost once in the league to date.

"Stefano is - due to his professional competence and for his temperament and personality - our ideal head coach," technical director Paolo Maldini said.

"He has completely bought into the values and strategy of our club. His leadership has created a cohesive atmosphere for big ambition.

"The aim is to continue the journey we've begun and attain better and better results."

Pioli has coached Milan in 106 matches with a record of 59 wins, 27 draws and 20 defeats.



Belgian Grand Prix Gets Contract Extension but Set to Be Dropped from Schedule in 2028 and 2030

Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany steers his car during the second free practice at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, Belgium, on Aug. 21, 2015. (AP)
Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany steers his car during the second free practice at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, Belgium, on Aug. 21, 2015. (AP)
TT

Belgian Grand Prix Gets Contract Extension but Set to Be Dropped from Schedule in 2028 and 2030

Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany steers his car during the second free practice at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, Belgium, on Aug. 21, 2015. (AP)
Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany steers his car during the second free practice at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, Belgium, on Aug. 21, 2015. (AP)

Formula 1 has extended its contract with the Belgian Grand Prix, but one of the sport's most established races is set to be dropped from the schedule in 2028 and 2030.

The extension starting from next year includes races only in 2026, 2027, 2029 and 2031, F1 said Wednesday.

F1’s push in recent years to expand the schedule with more races in the United States and Asia has meant more competition for traditional venues in Europe seeking to keep their places on the calendar.

The Spa-Francorchamps circuit, a favorite with many drivers for its flowing high-speed layout through forested hills, was on the F1 schedule for the first championship season in 1950 and has been on the calendar every year since 2007.

"The Belgian Grand Prix was one of the races that made up our maiden Championship in 1950, so as we kick off our 75th anniversary year it is fitting that we can share the news of this important extension," F1 president and chief executive Stefano Domenicali said in a statement.

"Spa-Francorchamps is rightly lauded by drivers and fans alike as one of the finest racetracks in the world and it has played host to some incredible moments over its many seasons in Formula 1."

This year's Belgian Grand Prix race weekend is from July 25 through 27, including a sprint race.