The argument around AC Milan manager Filippo Inzaghi's future has changed from why he should remain to who should replace him at the end of the season. The club is being linked with tacticians both in Italy and abroad. Who would be the ideal candidate to take this team forward?
The narrative continued this week with speculation that failure to beat Verona at San Siro on Saturday night could spell the end for the 42-year-old. In the event that Inzaghi leaves, assistant coach Mauro Tassotti would take temporary charge before a long-term appointment is made in the summer.
Reports in Italy have claimed that club general manager Adriano Galliani and the entire team staff met for a summit to discuss their current crisis and how to emerge from it. However, it is understood that the Milan CEO wasn't impressed with the conclusions, so the pressure remains on Inzaghi this weekend.
Hypothetically, if Inzaghi were to be sacked this weekend, appointing Tassotti to steady the ship for less than half a season would seem to be the most appropriate thing to do.
The rush in which Clarence Seedorf was appointed last season arguably did him no favours; if this Milan hierarchy is capable of learning from their mistakes they will avoid repeating history just 12 months later.
However, the question remains as to who would be the ideal appointment thereafter. Milan can't afford to get their next coaching decision wrong, and while Inzaghi could still turn things around, it is widely acknowledged that he is set to be axed at the end of the season regardless.
One coach who has consistently been linked with the post for a number of years is Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Montella. It was reported earlier this week that Milan were ready to offer him a deal, but the Italian tactician has opted to stay in Florence in a bid to bring silverware to the club.
Unfortunately, if true, it is a huge blow for AC Milan, as Montella is a realistic option who would fit the bill perfectly.
The 40-year-old is young, bright and has already gained significant experience that has resulted in a consistent amount of solid success with the Viola. While he has yet to crack the code to make the next step up with the team, their style of play and work in the transfer market is undoubtedly impressive, and Montella has been the mastermind behind it all.
If Milan can persuade him to join them, it would be a hugely successful move for both parties, but particularly for the club as he is exactly what they need in terms of bringing entertainment as well as results.
Elsewhere, Jurgen Klopp has also been linked with the role, but as with any top-level manager, it is difficult to see the attraction Milan offers to them. Although the club is steeped in history and prestige, the sad reality is that their present-day situation is a real deterrent for many, and they require so much work it would take a significant sacrifice.
With a lack of real investment in the squad, coaches of Klopp's ilk would need to be patient and put their desire for silverware on hold for a long-term project. It is also likely that they would still encounter the same issues as previous Milan coaches if they are not given control of player acquisitions.
Would they trust Galliani to build their squad? Would he have the financial backing to get their preferred targets? With so many question marks lingering over the current setup, it is difficult to see a high-profile name in Europe come in if things don't change at the top first.