Allegri Returns to AC Milan, Targets Champions League Rebound

Massimiliano Allegri formally returned as AC Milan head coach on Monday, 11 years after his January 2014 dismissal, saying his immediate priority is to restore the club to the Champions League. “The Milan of today must be back in Europe’s top competition; we will discuss the Scudetto in March,” the 57-year-old told reporters at the club’s headquarters. Allegri, who won the 2011 Serie A title in his previous spell before collecting five more championships with Juventus, said the squad’s foundations are “excellent” and emphasised daily work over tactical revolutions. He confirmed goalkeeper Mike Maignan will remain captain with forward Rafael Leão as deputy, while sporting director Igli Tare “monitors every market opportunity”. The club’s first competitive match under Allegri is a Coppa Italia round on 17 August against Bari, a fixture he called “already decisive”. Milan have already accepted a €25 million move to Saudi side Al-Hilal for left-back Theo Hernandez and are weighing further adjustments before the transfer window closes on 31 August.