AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli revealed his Serie A winners’ medal was stolen during a pitch invasion after his side wrapped up their title triumph at Sassuolo on Sunday.
Milan clinched their first Scudetto in 11 years following their 3-0 triumph on the final day of the season and, at full-time, a horde of supporters invaded the pitch.
The scenes of jubilation were then marred by fans taking Pioli’s silverware from around his neck during the celebrations, leading him to plead for its return.
‘It was stolen,’ he said. ‘The winner’s medal, somebody stripped it from my neck. If I could make an appeal, I’d be grateful, it’s the only one I have.’
After it was revealed that the medal was stolen, the league vowed to replace it.
AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli’s Serie A winners’ medal was snatched from his neck on Sunday
A pitch invasion marked Milan’s first Scudetto in 11 years, before the medal was then stolen
‘Hey Mr Pioli, we’ll give you the medal again tomorrow (Monday),’ they tweeted.
Bizarrely, a supporter took to social media to show off the ill-gotten gains, potentially revealing the thief’s identity. It is not clear if they were responsible for the theft.
The user posted a photo of the accolade on his Instagram story, alongside the caption: ‘Thanks Pioli’.
It is not currently known whether he will return it, or if action will be taken.
Pioli was showered in champagne by stars, and later issued an appeal for his accolade’s return
The fan potentially responsible for taking the medal posted a photo of it on his Instagram page
It has also been reported that the medal was put up for sale on the internet.
The Serie A trophy was a first in Pioli’s managerial career, and came after his side pipped fierce city rivals Inter Milan by two points after a dramatic finale.
Olivier Giroud scored a double and Franck Kessie was also on target in their win, meaning that Inter’s 3-0 win over Sampdoria was ultimately in vain.
Before the thievery incident, Pioli, 56, told journalists: ‘I have never felt so good.
Speaking before the incident, the Italian coach told reporters that he had ‘never felt so good’
‘I know myself and I know how important it is to feel appreciated as I felt in the environment of Milan.
‘And this allowed me to do what I did and to give joy to my parents. The players have given me their hearts and minds.
‘We are a team of great players and we never gave up. We always believed we could win the league and that we would be more consistent than Inter.’
