The first match of 2026 will be a special one for Massimiliano Allegri, not only because of its importance in the standings, but also because it represents a return to the past, his past.
Heading to Cagliari, Allegri goes back home
Before joining Milan in the summer of 2010, the Tuscan coach first made a name for himself as Cagliari’s manager. Today, Gazzetta dello Sport retraces Allegri’s journey, recalling his time in Cagliari first as a player and later as a coach, an island that proved decisive in his career.
It all began with predictions firmly against him, with some expecting his dismissal after just two matchdays, as pointed out by Milan Press. The start in Cagliari was indeed disastrous, five defeats in the first five games. The turning point came against Ancelotti's Milan, a peculiar 0–0 draw that allowed the club to breathe again. From then on, the recovery began, driven by an outstanding second half of the season that saw Cagliari finish on 53 points. In his debut season, Allegri even won the Panchina d’Oro for Serie A and he finished ahead of José Mourinho.
