Massimiliano Allegri has left his position as manager of AC Milan, the club confirmed on Saturday. The departure follows a disappointing season where the Rossoneri failed to qualify for the Champions League, falling short of expectations despite initial optimism surrounding Allegri’s return to the club.
Allegri’s second spell at Milanello began with the aim of securing Champions League football in the first season and then challenging for the Serie A title. However, the project failed to materialize, leaving the club in a state of uncertainty. The club had hoped for a medium-to-long-term project with the Tuscan coach, following unsuccessful tenures under Fonseca and Conceição, but now finds itself back at square one.
According to reports, discussions about Allegri’s departure were already taking place even when Champions League qualification appeared achievable. With the situation now clear, Milan must quickly identify a successor, as the incoming manager’s tactical preferences will heavily influence the club’s transfer strategy. The type of players Milan seeks to sign and those they may sell will depend on whether the new coach favors a 3-5-2 formation or a different system, such as a 4-2-3-1.
Several names are currently being considered for the vacant position. Vincenzo Italiano, a frequent candidate in Italian football, and Matteo Palladino have both been linked with the job. More recently, potential candidates from abroad have emerged, including Xavi, who previously played alongside AC Milan’s current advisor Zlatan Ibrahimović at Barcelona, and Iraola, recently departed from Bournemouth after guiding them to Europa League qualification. Marco Silva, currently at Fulham, is also under consideration.
The decision-making process is currently being led by Ibrahimović, in close contact with owner Gerry Cardinale, following the dismissals of Furlani, Tare, Moncada, and Allegri. A key question remains whether Ibrahimović will have the authority to make a final decision on the new manager, or whether that responsibility will fall to the incoming sporting director. Antonio Conte, known for his ability to rebuild struggling teams, is also a name that would appease the fanbase, but his high salary demands and potential interest from the Italian national team could prove to be obstacles.
