Interestingly, up until the end of the 2011-2012 season, Clarence Seedorf and Filippo "Pippo" Inzaghi were teammates at Milan.
The duo won, among other things, two out of the team's seven Champions League trophies in 2003 and 2007. And, in May 2012, they were one of several veterans--including Alessandro Nesta and Gennaro Gattuso--released by the club in a decision that left some fans scratching their heads.
Following then, it appeared that their paths would not cross again for some time. Inzaghi decided to hang up his boots to begin a managerial career, while Seedorf opted for one last swansong with Brazilian side Botafogo.
Back in the day: Future Rossoneri coaches Inzaghi and Seedorf celebrating the team's 18th Scudetto just three years ago
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Yet, two years later, both would find themselves in an interesting position. After losing to Serie A debutants Sassuolo, Massimiliano Allegri had finally used his last get-out-of-jail card and was sacked, with his former player assuming the reins shortly after.
Considering he had zero managerial experience prior to taking the position, one can not say that Seedorf did well in his brief time with his former club, guiding the team to a top ten finish, yet missing out on European football.
Short-lived: Less than five months later, Seedorf has officially been relieved of his duties as coach
Still, the feeling among some fans was that the Dutchman was merely a placeholder and even if he had gotten the club into the Europa League (which would have been impressive given their awful season), it would not have been enough to keep him on the bench...even though he was given a contract until June 2016.
Inzaghi, on the other hand, had been slowly sharpening his coaching skills during his two year spell with the club's youth team and given that his contract expired this year it should perhaps come as no surprise that the nexxt step is moving up to the first team. Italy's most prominent newspapers were already signalling the end of Seedorf's reign and made it loud and clear when Pippo was featured on the front page of La Gazzetta dello Sport back on May 27th.
From one club icon to another: Inzaghi replaces his former teammate on the bench
The highly-regarded former striker, as per the club's official website will also be under a two year contract, to the very same June 30, 2016 that was given to Seedorf. As to whether or not he will still be on the bench in two years' time, or becomes another casualty of the managerial merry-go-round, Diavolo fans will just have to wait and see what happens during the 2014-2015 season.
