Only a handful of managers in world football can brag about their personal record against Roma boss Jose Mourinho. However, Milan coach Stefano Pioil is one of them.
Back to Serie A action following a gut-wrenching Coppa Italia exit at the hands of Atalanta, Milan delivered an electrifying performance to dispatch Roma 3-1. Goals from Yacine Adli, Olivier Giroud, and Theo Hernandez rendered Leandro Paredes’ strike from the spot a mere consolation for Mourinho.
Forced to watch the game from the stands after picking up a bizarre red card against Atalanta, the Special One lost another battle to Pioli. It was the sixth meeting between the two veteran managers, with the Portuguese yet to come out on top.
Two draws and six defeats against the ex-Inter tactician represent his worst-ever managerial record against a specific adversary. In fact, Mourinho has never gone winless in his first six duels against any opposition.
Considering Mourinho had the privilege of facing the likes of Arsene Wenger, Carlo Ancelotti, Sir Alex Ferguson, and Pep Guardiola, among others, Pioli’s success is even more impressive. The Milan boss is one of 36 managers to have avoided defeat against the Portuguese powerhouse.
However, none of the other 35 had encountered Mourinho more than three times. While it’s flattering, Pioli won’t have much time to celebrate as Milan head to Udinese in pursuit of vengeance following a flat 1-0 home loss in the reverse fixture.
As for Mourinho, after suffering his fourth defeat to Milan since taking charge of Roma in 2021, the end of the road could be on the horizon.
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