AC Milan director Paolo Maldini has welcomed the appointment of new coach Stefano Pioli.

Pioli arrives to replace Marco Giampaolo.

"Pioli isn't a gamble," said Maldini.

“We want to be leading lights this season, we don't want to write this season off.

“I thank Giampaolo for his professionalism. Three months ago, we were here talking about him, but this was a considered and shared choice.

“If we go back in time, he was the right choice for a young team, but it just didn't work. I defended Giampaolo because that was the right thing to do.

“We have 31 games in front of us. We can still turn things around this season. We don't want to still be waiting to become competitive in 10 years' time."