Allegri commits to Milan project, deflects Italy national team speculation
AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri has firmly dismissed speculation linking him with the vacant Italy national team job, stating his commitment is solely to the Rossoneri. Speaking at a press conference ahead of Monday's Serie A clash with Napoli, Allegri addressed the rumors following Italy's failure to qualify for a second consecutive major tournament.
Allegri's name had been circulated as a potential candidate to lead the Azzurri after their recent elimination. However, the 56-year-old was unequivocal in his focus. "I have started a job with Milan and we must stay focused on our objective, which is to return to the Champions League," Allegri said. "This is not a discussion about the national team coach, but for the competent bodies to examine what needs to be done until 2034." He added that he has not even considered the role, is happy at Milan, and hopes to stay for a long time.
The manager's primary objective is securing a top-four finish to bring Champions League football back to the San Siro. He described the final stretch of the season as the "most beautiful and important" as the club closes in on its goal. Nearly 3,000 fans attended a training session at Milanello to offer support, which Allegri called a "great injection of confidence" for the crucial phase.
Allegri also reflected on his own recent absence from Europe's premier club competition, a pointed reference to his time at Juventus. "The Champions League is a fascinating competition which I have to get used to again because I haven't participated in recent years," he said. "I would like to play it with Milan, also because in recent years one time it was taken away from me, another year I was sent away." This is a clear allusion to the 2022/23 season when Juventus faced a points deduction while he was in charge.
On the broader crisis in Italian football, Allegri suggested a need for systemic reform rather than a quick fix. He believes there are talented players in Italy and that the future can be positive if the football system takes the necessary time to build a coherent plan from youth levels to the senior side. When asked about the high percentage of foreign players in Serie A, he stated it was a complex issue requiring data analysis compared to other European nations.
Regarding squad news for the Napoli match, Allegri provided a positive update on several key attackers. Rafael Leao is said to be much better, Christian Pulisic returned well from international duty, and both Santiago Gimenez and Niclas Fullkrug are improving. He confirmed that Matteo Gabbia is expected to return on Tuesday. Allegri dismissed questions about a potential tactical shift to a 4-3-3 formation, stating the team is currently better suited with a front three.
With seven games remaining, Allegri refused to be drawn on the title race, noting it depends on league leaders Inter Milan. He emphasized that Milan's immediate task is mathematically securing a Champions League place, warning that in football, "15 days can overturn seven months of work." His comments firmly close the door on an immediate return to the international stage, positioning him as central to Milan's present and future plans.
