No Antonio Conte, no problem? Milan set to name new coach for Christian Pulisic and Santiago Gimenez
The winds of change are blowing through Casa Milan, and for stars like Christian Pulisic and Santiago Gimenez, the identity of their new head coach is about to be revealed. Following the end of the Sergio Conceicao era and with multiple targets slipping away, Milan is rapidly closing in on a familiar face to lead their next project. But the drama around who would take the helm intensified this week, especially after it appeared that one high-profile contender was set to stay put at Napoli.
Early in the process, the Rossoneri had been linked with several candidates, including Vincenzo Italiano, who has now committed to renewing his contract with Bologna. With Italiano no longer an option, Milan’s focus shifted to two major names: Antonio Conte and Massimiliano Allegri.
While Conte appeared a likely candidate, especially given reports that he was ready to leave Napoli after just one season, the situation evolved quickly. According to a report by Fabrizio Romano, “Napoli are confident to keep Antonio Conte as their head coach for the next season. President De Laurentiis spoke again to Conte today with positive direct contact.”
This pivotal development effectively removed the ex-Premier League boss from Milan’s shortlist, paving the way for Massimiliano Allegri’s potential return to San Siro.
Allegri edges closer to Milan return
With Napoli looking increasingly likely to retain Conte, Milan moved swiftly. According to Matteo Moretto, “Milan [is] close to a verbal agreement with Massimiliano Allegri. He is the very first choice of the Rossoneri club, who have accelerated on him in the last few hours. They want to close quickly.”
Talks between the two sides have intensified over the past 48 hours. The Rossoneri have offered a two-year deal worth $5.6 million per season plus bonuses, with the option of a third year. Allegri, for his part, has been asking for slightly more, but the gap is reportedly small and negotiable.
Fabrizio Romano added fuel to the speculation, tweeting: “AC Milan have sent their formal proposal to Massimiliano Allegri to be their new head coach. He’s the main option to replace Sergio Conceicao, with good chances for it to happen if Napoli will continue with Antonio Conte.”
Should the 57-year-old accept the club’s offer, it would mark a return to the club where he previously won the 2010-11 Serie A title and the 2011 Italian Super Cup. Allegri managed Milan from 2010 to 2014, overseeing 178 matches in all competitions. His experience and tactical acumen are seen as a stabilizing force after what has been described as a disappointing and chaotic year for the Red and Blacks.