Massimiliano Allegri appears to be the new coach of AC Milan. Italian media reported on Thursday that the coach is close to reaching an agreement with the red and black club to take charge starting next season.
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Corriere dello Sport reports that Massimiliano Allegri is edging ever closer to becoming the new head coach of AC Milan.
Talks between the former Juventus boss and the Rossoneri are said to be in an advanced stage, with just a few final contractual details left to sort out. According to the same source, Igli Tare Milan's newly appointed sporting director is pushing hard to conclude negotiations swiftly, aiming to make Allegri’s return official before preseason preparations begin. If the deal is finalized as expected, Allegri will sign a three-year contract, signaling a major shift in Milan's managerial strategy and long-term planning.
This potential reunion marks a homecoming for Allegri, who previously managed AC Milan from 2010 to 2014. His earlier spell at the club was marked by immediate success, culminating in the 2010-2011 Serie A title Milan’s last Scudetto before the more recent 2021-2022 triumph under Stefano Pioli. Despite his success at Juventus in the years that followed, where he led the Turin-based club to multiple league titles and Champions League finals, Allegri's relationship with the Bianconeri ultimately ended in disappointment and criticism over a lack of attacking flair. His return to the San Siro could be seen as a chance at redemption both personally and tactically.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Allegri has already begun outlining his tactical vision for Milan. He reportedly intends to utilize a four-man defensive line, abandoning the three-at-the-back systems that have become more common in Serie A in recent seasons. This shift could have major implications for the current squad, particularly for players accustomed to playing as wing-backs or in more fluid back-three systems.
The Italian paper also suggests that Allegri’s first order of business will be to assess the current squad with a focus on outgoings. Milan’s roster is expected to undergo significant change, with several fringe or underperforming players likely to be sold to free up space and resources for new signings. However, not everyone is on the chopping block. One name that stands out as ‘untouchable’ in Allegri’s eyes is Tijjani Reijnders. The Dutch midfielder, who arrived from AZ Alkmaar last summer, has quickly become a key figure in Milan’s midfield due to his work rate, vision, and tactical intelligence. Allegri reportedly views Reijnders as a cornerstone for his new project.
A New Opportunity for Santiago Gimenez
Perhaps the most intriguing consequence of Allegri's impending appointment is its potential impact on Santiago Gimenez. The Mexican striker, who made a high-profile move from Feyenoord to AC Milan during the January transfer window, has endured a rocky start to life in Italy. Despite arriving with high expectations and an impressive goal record in the Eredivisie, Gimenez struggled to adapt to Serie A’s more physical and tactical style of play. So far, he has managed just six goals in nineteen appearances, and has often found himself behind Tammy Abraham and Luka Jovic in the pecking order.
However, Allegri’s arrival could mark a turning point for the 23-year-old. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Allegri sees real potential in Gimenez and is eager to integrate him more fully into his plans. Known for his ability to develop strikers and adapt systems to fit their strengths as seen during his time working with players like Carlos Tevez, Mario Mandzukic, and Gonzalo Higuaín Allegri could provide Gimenez with the structured support and tactical clarity he needs to thrive in Italy.
Under Allegri, Gimenez might benefit from a more defined role in a two-striker system or even as a lone center-forward in a 4-2-3-1 formation, a setup Allegri has often favored. The Mexican’s intelligent movement, physicality, and finishing instincts could be more effectively utilized with consistent playing time and a clearer tactical framework. Moreover, Allegri’s experience and calm demeanor might help ease the mental pressure that Gimenez has likely felt since his transfer, giving him the confidence to perform at the level expected of him.
If Allegri is indeed confirmed as Milan’s new manager, it would not only signal the club’s ambition to return to domestic dominance, but also offer players like Gimenez a clean slate to prove their worth. For fans, the return of a Scudetto-winning coach combined with the promise of exciting young talent offers a compelling vision of what Milan could become in the next few seasons.
Updated: 04:48, 29 May 2025
