This Milan situation is so bizarre to me.
Maldini was doing a good job, got them that Scudetto after having not won it in forever.
He was about to strengthen the team with a few signings too.
You also forgot the most important part.
HE IS PAOLO MALDINI! Essentially the face of Milan football.
Add in the rest of the stuff you mentioned- how he rebuilt the team post Leonardo and helped them get the Scudetto last season and helped get Leao to sign and now Cardinale fires him?
Cardinale must've decided he wants to be the most hated man in Milan. Weird thing to want but I can think of no other reason for this.