AC Milan have turned to a familiar face in a bid to rebuild after a dismal season saw the seven-time European champions crash out of continental competition. On Friday, the club officially announced the return of Massimiliano Allegri as head coach, marking his second stint at the San Siro.
Allegri, 57, replaces Sergio Conceição, who was dismissed after just five turbulent months in charge. According to Italian media, Allegri has signed a two-year deal worth €5 million per season, with an option for a further two years.
His return comes at a critical juncture. Milan finished eighth in Serie A, missing out on European football entirely — a huge blow for a club of its stature. Allegri becomes the fourth manager in just one year, underlining the instability that has plagued the Rossoneri in recent times.
Allegri previously led Milan from 2010 to 2014, guiding them to their last Scudetto in 2011. His tenure included one of Serie A’s most controversial moments: a disallowed goal by Sulley Muntari in 2012 against Juventus that many believe cost Milan the title.
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Ironically, Allegri would later go on to manage Juventus, winning five Serie A titles during two successful spells in Turin.
His most recent managerial role ended dramatically in May 2024, when he was sacked by Juventus following a heated altercation with officials and Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli, despite having just won the Italian Cup.
Meanwhile, Conceição departs Milan after a rocky tenure. Hired in December 2024 to replace Paulo Fonseca, the Portuguese coach had a promising start by winning the Italian Super Cup in January, defeating rivals Inter in Riyadh.
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However, he failed to secure Champions League qualification and capped off the campaign with a disappointing Italian Cup final loss to Bologna.
Under Conceição, Milan registered 16 wins in 31 matches, including 11 Serie A victories, but also suffered seven losses and faced relentless pressure from the stands. Fan protests against the club’s American owners, RedBird Capital, escalated towards the end of the season, culminating in loud demonstrations before the final match against relegated Monza.
Supporters have grown increasingly frustrated watching Inter Milan thrive while their own club has faltered. Calls for RedBird founder Gerry Cardinale to sell the club have grown louder, with banners and chants heard at nearly every home fixture.
Allegri now faces the monumental task of restoring stability and prestige to AC Milan — a club in desperate need of leadership and identity.
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