Leonardo to replace Ancelotti at Milan: press

Brazilian World Cup winner Leonardo is set to take over from Carlo Ancelotti as AC Milan coach next season, according to reports in Friday’s Gazzetta dello Sport.

The 39-year-old is currently a technical director with the club and played for them for four years from 1997-2001.

The former midfielder was also part of the Brazil squad that beat Italy to win the World Cup in 1994, although he disgraced himself earlier in the tournament by getting sent off against hosts the United States for elbowing Tab Ramos, resulting in a four-game suspension that saw him miss the final.

According to Gazzetta, Ancelotti will take over from Guus Hiddink at Chelsea, a rumour that has been gathering validity over several weeks.

Ancelotti has won the Champions League twice and Serie A once with Milan since taking over in 2001.

Leonardo has no previous coaching experience but Barcelona’s Pep Guardiola has proved novices can shine after winning an incredible treble in his season in charge of the Catalans.