The current favourite to replace Pioli in the event he is sacked

The most likely replacement for Stefano Pioli at AC Milan in the event of a sacking is Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui, a report claims. 

As claimed by Corriere dello Sport (via Milan News), Lopetegui is in the shadows and waiting for the job at Milan to become available.

Pioli is entering what could be a fatal five days as Milan coach with the Europa League quarter-final second leg against AS Roma, and then the Derby della Madonnina where a win for Inter would result in the league title being clinched in their favour.

If Milan get knocked out of the Europa League at the Stadio Olimpico and then standby as Inter beat them to win the Serie A title, it is hard to envisage a road back for Pioli.

The report claims that Geoffrey Moncada has met with Lopetegui twice already, with a two-year contract in the offing if Milan choose to move on from Pioli before the end of his contract.

Lopetegui has coached Real Madrid, Sevilla, Wolverhampton Wanderers and the Spanish national team in recent years and would represent a safe pair of hands if an available coach is needed quickly.

Pioli could only have two games to secure a longer future with the club.