Massimiliano Allegri has returned to AC Milan as the club seeks to revive its fortunes following a dismal season that ended without European qualification. The appointment marks Allegri’s second spell at the club, and comes on a day of widespread managerial changes across Serie A.
The 57-year-old, who guided Milan to their last Serie A title in 2011 during his previous tenure between 2010 and 2014, replaces Sergio Conceicao, who has been dismissed after a disappointing five-month stint. Italian media reports suggest Allegri has signed a two-year deal worth €5 million per season, with an option to extend for a further two years.
Milan are now on their fourth manager in just 12 months, having finished eighth in Serie A this season and failed to qualify for any European competitions. Allegri’s return is seen as a move to stabilise a club mired in inconsistency and fan unrest.
He previously left Milan following a turbulent period which included the notorious “ghost goal” incident in 2012, when a clear goal by Sulley Muntari against Juventus was not awarded—a moment many believe changed the title race. Juventus went on to win that match 1-1 and the league title unbeaten, later hiring Allegri themselves, where he claimed five Scudetti.
Conceicao’s Short-Lived Reign Ends
Sergio Conceicao, a former Portugal international and ex-Inter and Lazio player, took over in December but failed to impress despite winning the Italian Super Cup in January. His Milan side lost the Coppa Italia final to Bologna and stumbled in the league, securing only 11 wins from 31 games.
His tenure was overshadowed by growing dissatisfaction among Milan supporters, particularly aimed at the club’s American ownership group, RedBird Capital. Large fan protests erupted outside club headquarters before their final game of the season against relegated Monza, a match rendered meaningless by their league position.
Calls for RedBird’s founder Gerry Cardinale to sell the club have grown louder, particularly as city rivals Inter Milan have enjoyed a vastly more successful campaign and will contest the Champions League final this weekend.
Managerial Reshuffle Sweeps Serie A
Allegri’s return adds to a flurry of managerial changes in Italy’s top flight. Lazio and Fiorentina both saw unexpected exits on Friday, with coaches Marco Baroni and Raffaele Palladino stepping down. Roma, meanwhile, are also seeking a new manager after Claudio Ranieri confirmed his second retirement in as many years, with Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini tipped as a likely successor.
Speculation also swirled around Inter coach Simone Inzaghi, who was forced to downplay reports of a €50 million offer from Saudi side Al-Hilal. Speaking ahead of the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, Inzaghi reaffirmed his commitment to Inter, saying he was “really happy” at the club.
While Napoli have successfully retained Antonio Conte as manager, Juventus are preparing to part ways with Igor Tudor and may also target Gasperini as their next coach.