AC Milan have confirmed that they have appointed Massimiliano Allegri as their new head coach following the dismissal of Sergio Conceicao.
The Rossoneri relieved Conceicao of his duties on Thursday after just five months at San Siro, as the Portuguese oversaw a dismal conclusion to the 2024-25 campaign.
Milan were beaten 1-0 by Bologna in the final of the Coppa Italia and could only muster an eighth-placed finish in the Serie A table, meaning that they will not be competing in Europe next season.
Following Conceicao's dismissal, Milan moved quickly to strike a deal with Allegri, who returns for a second spell at the club after also taking charge between July 2010 and January 2014.
The 57-year-old had been available since departing Juventus at the end of the 2023-24 season, and he is understood to have signed a three-year deal with Milan until the summer of 2028.
Allegri could make second Milan managerial debut against Arsenal
© Imago
"AC Milan is pleased to announce that Massimiliano Allegri has been appointed as the Head Coach of the Men's First Team," a statement on the Milan website read.
"The Club extends a warm welcome and best wishes to Massimiliano and his staff."
Allegri's first game back as Milan boss could potentially come against Premier League giants Arsenal, whom the Italian giants meet in a pre-season friendly in Singapore on July 23.
The Rossoneri then pit their wits against Liverpool in Hong Kong three days later, before continuing their summer preparations against Perth Glory (July 31) and Leeds United (August 9).
Allegri won 91 of his 178 matches in charge of Milan during his first spell at the San Siro helm, masterminding the Rossoneri's run to the 2010-11 Serie A title and 2011 Supercoppa Italiana.
Allegri set for possible transfer upheaval at AC Milan
© Imago
As Allegri prepares to get accustomed to Milan's current crop, a couple of the Rossoneri's star talents are being heavily linked with summer exits, including much-coveted attacker Rafael Leao.
Arsenal have supposedly been in contact to discuss a possible move for the Portugal international, although the astronomical €175m (£147.3m) release clause in his contract could complicate matters.
Meanwhile, Manchester City are believed to be pushing for the signature of Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, who has been tipped to become an "Ilkay Gundogan-esque player" at the Etihad.
Left-back Theo Hernandez has also been persistently linked with both Man City and Real Madrid, and the Frenchman is about to enter the final year of his contract at San Siro.
Ben Knapton
