A Milan back to Max.
Attention, this is not mere speculation or a sensationalist headline, but a concrete project that the Rossoneri is working on. Especially after the meeting in New York between RedBird’s number one, Gerry Cardinale, and CEO Giorgio Furlani—a summit where the foundations of the new Milan were laid.
It has been established that Conceição’s adventure with the Rossoneri will come to an end (either at the end of the season or sooner if the losing streak continues), and now is the time to act in advance to avoid experiencing another season like the current one in 2025-26. That is, one shaped by the mistake made last spring when, in replacing Pioli, the management evaluated profiles… not fitting for Milan. First Lopetegui, then Fonseca. A winning coach was needed, someone with deep knowledge of the league and the top spots in the table. Because Pioli had celebrated a Scudetto and reached a Champions League semifinal. They needed someone with greater (on-paper) appeal and capabilities than the Parma-born coach. Someone like Antonio Conte, who has revitalized Napoli, or Massimiliano Allegri, who remains available after his sabbatical following his Juventus departure. And now that Conceição needs replacing and Max is free, the mistake of 2024 will not be repeated.
Cardinale and his managers have learned the lesson that this season has imparted—a season in which the club secured its 50th trophy in history but endured plenty of disappointment in Serie A and the Champions League.
Allegri has all the characteristics to be the right man in the right place.
First reason: After such a troubled season (and it’s not even over yet...), those at the club have realized they need a "normalizer" but, above all, a winner who commands inevitable followership. Not another gamble. Because while a year without Champions League football might be manageable for a club with Milan’s healthy finances, missing out on Europe’s most prestigious competition for a second consecutive season would be intolerable. For the accounts and for the fans, who are already furious. From this perspective, Allegri is a guarantee: he has won six league titles and has always finished in the top four (except for the penalized season at Juventus). Not with beautiful football or the dominant style Milan was supposed to showcase this year, but (also) through hard-fought 1-0 wins. Because "results matter" and "the circus is for entertainment," as Max has often made clear.
Second reason: He has already been at Milanello during the Berlusconi era, won a Scudetto, and had Mauro Tassotti by his side—who could return as part of his staff—and Ibrahimović as his striker. Not everything between the two was rosy? True, but time has healed the wounds.
Objection: Allegri’s return to Juventus was not particularly successful aside from last season’s Coppa Italia victory—why should it be any different at Milan? Simply because when he returned to Turin, the strongest player in the squad (Ronaldo) was sold, and he then had to navigate complicated off-field issues. At Milan, he would find a financially stable club that has been investing in the market for two seasons, will be reinforced by a new sporting director (Tare rates him highly, as does Paratici), and is eager to claim its second star.
Third reason: Max is used to playing with all kinds of systems. He has his preferences, but he also adapts to the squad at his disposal, getting the best out of them. And in the current Milan, there are plenty of players in need of revitalization. Bouncing back under a winner like Allegri would be easier. And if Milan's DNA is tied to the Champions League, Max has twice reached the final of Europe’s most coveted club competition.
Allegri is therefore a strong idea for Milan, and the man himself is intrigued.
He turned down Saudi money and is waiting for an important call in Italy to take his revenge after leaving Juve.
Who are the alternatives to Allegri at Milan?
There isn’t another winner like him, so the club would have to look at a different type of profile. For example, Fabregas or De Zerbi, both highly regarded for the brilliant work they are doing with Como and Marseille. However, Allegri is currently in pole position.
Source: Gazzetta dello Sport
