Serie A: Massimiliano Allegri returns to AC Milan as head coach for 2nd time

India Today

a day ago

Massimiliano Allegri has returned to AC Milan as head coach, taking on the formidable task of reviving one of Italy's most storied clubs after a turbulent season that has left the seven-time European champions without European football next year.The club confirmed Allegri's appointment on Friday, marking his second spell at Milan after leading them to their last Serie A title in 2011. The 57-year-old replaces Sergio Conceicao, who was sacked after just five months in charge. Allegri's return comes at a time of deep uncertainty for Milan, who have cycled through four coaches in the past year and finished a disappointing eighth in the league.advertisement"AC Milan is pleased to announce that Massimiliano Allegri has been appointed as the head coach of the men's first team," read the club's official statement. While financial terms were not disclosed, reports in the Italian media suggest Allegri has signed a two-year deal worth five million euros per season, with an option to extend for a further two years.
Allegri's previous stint at Milan ran from 2010 to 2014 and included both triumph and controversy. He guided Milan to the Scudetto in 2011, but also presided over one of the most infamous moments in recent Serie A history-Sulley Muntari's disallowed goal against Juventus in 2012, when the ball had clearly crossed the line. Juventus went on to draw that match 1-1, remained unbeaten for the rest of the season, and won their first title in nine years. Two years later, they appointed Allegri, who would go on to win five Serie A titles with the Turin giants. Let's give a warm welcome to our new Head Coach, Massimiliano Allegri! #SempreMilan— AC Milan (@acmilan) May 30, 2025advertisementOut of work since being dismissed by Juventus in May last year, Allegri's final act in Turin was a chaotic outburst following the Coppa Italia final, where he berated match officials and club executives in a post-match tirade that ultimately ended his second spell with the club.At Milan, he inherits a side that has been as talented as it has been inconsistent. Conceio, brought in late last December after the dismissal of Paulo Fonseca, made a promising start by beating Inter in the Italian Super Cup final in Riyadh. But his failure to secure a Champions League spot and a Coppa Italia final loss to Bologna earlier this month proved decisive. The 50-year-old, a former Inter and Lazio midfielder, ended his short tenure with 16 wins in 31 matches, including 11 league victories, alongside seven losses and three draws.The mood around the club had been worsening for months. Fans, increasingly disillusioned with American owners RedBird Capital and founder Gerry Cardinale, staged protests outside Milan's headquarters ahead of the team's final game of the season, a meaningless fixture against relegated Monza. Their frustrations have been brewing since Stefano Pioli's side finished second in 2023-24, only to plummet down the table while watching city rivals Inter push for both domestic and European glory.Allegri's return offers Milan a familiar face but also a fresh opportunity to reset. With no European football next season, the focus will be entirely on Serie A. Allegri brings with him a wealth of experience, a proven track record in Italian football, and a reputation for tactical discipline and man-management-qualities Milan hope will steady a ship that has drifted far off course.