Massimiliano Allegri gave his first press conference on Monday as the new head coach of AC Milan. The 57-year-old Italian, who already has a successful history with the Rossoneri, confirmed that Luka Modric will join Milan after the Club World Cup.
Massimiliano Allegri is officially back at AC Milan, marking the beginning of a new chapter for both the club and the coach.
After spending a year away from football, the 57-year-old tactician has returned to the Rossoneri, a club he previously managed from 2010 to 2014. During that first stint, Allegri delivered Milan’s last Serie A title in the 2010/11 season a triumph that remains etched in the memory of fans as the last truly dominant Milan side before a long period of inconsistency.
Since then, Allegri became synonymous with Juventus' domestic dominance, where he won five consecutive Serie A titles, four Coppa Italia trophies, and reached two Champions League finals. His tactical pragmatism, ability to manage big personalities, and calm demeanor made him one of the most successful Italian managers of the modern era. Now, back at Milan, he inherits a project in need of restoration and renewed ambition.
Speaking at his presentation, Allegri didn’t shy away from the challenges ahead. Milan, one of Italy’s most decorated clubs, endured a disappointing 2023/24 campaign, finishing eighth and missing out entirely on European competitions. It was a harsh fall from grace after winning the league in 2022 and maintaining strong performances the following season. “The first objective is clear we must return to the Champions League,” Allegri told reporters. “And not just by the end of the season we need to be in the top four by March. That’s the standard we’re setting.”
Despite the underwhelming finish last season, Allegri expressed optimism about the current squad. “This is a group with real quality. There are top-level players here, and with the right balance and direction, we can build something strong. I have great faith in the team and in the work being done by director Igli Tare. He’s watching the market very closely, and we’re aligned on the kind of profile we want to bring in.”
One of the major headlines from Allegri’s first press conference was the confirmation that Luka Modric, the 39-year-old Croatian legend, will join Milan in August. “We’re waiting for his arrival,” Allegri said. “He’s still competing in the Club World Cup and will join us after that. Modric brings experience, leadership, and a level of intelligence in midfield that’s rare. He’ll be an essential reference point for the younger players.”
The move is seen as a strategic short-term boost to add experience and control to Milan’s midfield an area that has lacked consistency since the departure of key figures like Franck Kessié. Modric’s arrival will not only bolster the squad technically but also help shape a winning mentality that Allegri believes is essential for the club’s long-term goals.
However, Allegri also confirmed the departure of one of Milan’s most beloved figures in recent years: French left-back Theo Hernández. The 26-year-old, who played a pivotal role in Milan’s 2022 title-winning campaign, is set to join Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. “Theo has decided to leave AC Milan,” Allegri said. “He’s been an extraordinary player for the club, full of intensity and character. I can only wish him the best for the future.”
Theo’s exit, along with the anticipated departure of Tijjani Reijnders, means that Milan’s summer rebuild will be significant. Allegri made it clear that reinforcements are expected but refused to be drawn into speculation particularly around Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović. “Vlahović is a Juventus player. For transfers, you’ll have to ask director Tare. My job is to work with the squad I have, and right now I have 25 players I’m very happy with.”
Despite his cautious tone on transfers, Allegri did offer insight into his core footballing philosophy. “I don’t like to talk about statistics, but they tell you something important: in the last several Serie A titles, only one team won without having the best defense and that was Sarri’s Juventus. I was taught from a young age that defending well is the foundation of success. We’ll start from there.”
His comments hint at a return to a more compact, balanced Milan one built on tactical organization, defensive strength, and experienced leadership. With Modric’s arrival, the integration of younger talents, and the promise of further additions, Allegri’s second spell at San Siro is already shaping up to be one of the most intriguing stories of the upcoming Serie A season.
