Messina will remain with the club in an executive capacity
Ettore Messina steps down as Milan head coach, replaced by Peppe Poeta
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EA7 Emporio Armani Milan announced on Monday that Ettore Messina has stepped down as the club head coach and that Peppe Poeta, formerly Messina's assistant, has been promoted to take his place.
The decision was made by mutual agreement with club president Leo Dell’Orco. Messina will remain within the organization in an executive capacity, ensuring continuity and leadership.
Messina leaves the bench after guiding Milan through one of its most successful modern eras. Since joining the club in 2019, he led the team to two Italian championships, three Italian Cups, and three Supercoppa titles, while also steering Milan to the EuroLeague Final Four in 2021, its first appearance in nearly three decades. Widely regarded as one of Europe’s most accomplished coaches, Messina previously won four EuroLeague crowns with Virtus Bologna and CSKA Moscow.
Poeta, 40, now takes the reins in his first head coaching role at the EuroLeague level. A former Italian national team guard, Poeta enjoyed a distinguished playing career spanning nearly two decades, including stints with Virtus Bologna, Turin, and Reggio Emilia. Known for his leadership and basketball IQ on the court, Poeta transitioned to coaching after retiring in 2022. He served as an assistant on the Italian national team and with Milan before taking over head coaching duties with Brescia last season. Poeta returned to Milan this summer to apprentice under Messina with an eye to eventually replacing him. His appointment marks a new chapter for the club as it looks to build on recent successes.
Team president Leo Dell’Orco expressed gratitude for Messina’s contributions: “I want to sincerely thank Ettore Messina for the successes we achieved together, from league titles to cups and reaching the Final Four in 2021. At the same time, I wish Peppe Poeta the best, confident he will lead the team with passion and determination.”
Poeta will make his head coaching debut on Wednesday night in Belgrade against Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv.