Massimiliano Allegri has made his move from Milan to Napoli official, terminating his contract with the Rossoneri club and signing an agreement with the Neapolitans. The decision ends a five-year cycle at Milan for Allegri, who led the team to two consecutive Scudetti (2021-22 and 2022-23) and an Italian Super Cup. The termination was formalized on Tuesday 18 June 2024, after weeks of negotiations involving the management of the two companies.
Napoli, fresh from an up-and-down season with Rudi Garcia, is now banking on the ex-coach's experience to relaunch the team in Serie A and Europe. The choice of the Neapolitan club reflects a clear strategy: relying on a coach with a winning CV to bridge the gap with the big European teams, especially after the premature elimination in the Europa League and the fluctuations in the championship. Milan fans are divided: on one side those who celebrate the end of a winning cycle, on the other those who regret the farewell of a coach capable of bringing stability and results.
In the Rossoneri stands you can already read nostalgia for the Allegri years, but also understanding for the club's economic choice. Also weighing heavily is the memory of the 2022-23 Champions League semi-final, when Allegri's Milan came close to reaching the final, stopped only by Chelsea on penalties. That European run remains the emotional peak of a five-year period that reshaped the perception of the club abroad.
Allegri's departure also marks the end of an era in which Milan alternated victories and disappointments, with a clear balance of two national titles and a European semi-final as the greatest continental achievement. At San Paolo, however, Allegri's arrival was welcomed with enthusiasm. Neapolitan fans see in the former coach a profile capable of enhancing an already competitive group, especially in view of the European objectives.
His reputation as a pragmatic strategist and skilled dressing room manager is known throughout Italy, and Napoli is counting on him to return to fighting for the Scudetto. The Azzurri management underlined how Allegri represents the necessary guarantee of continuity after the uncertainties of the previous season, when Garcia was sacked in January due to disappointing results in the championship and in the Europa League. Allegri's choice is not random: Napoli needs a coach who knows how to handle the pressure of a demanding place like the Neapolitan one, where expectations are always very high.
Allegri will officially present himself to the team and the Neapolitan fans in the next few days, after having resolved the final contractual details. Its first public release is expected on June 25, 2024, on the occasion of the presentation of the new shirt for the 2024-25 season. The coach will have a squad at his disposal that includes players such as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Victor Osimhen, both returning from seasons of high individual level but with room for collective growth.
The offensive pair, already protagonists last season, represents the fulcrum on which Allegri will have to build a winning project, especially from a European perspective. Allegri's move from Milan to Naples is not just a change of bench, but a real exchange of perspectives. Milan closes a cycle that brought stability and international prestige, but now has to start from scratch without its symbolic coach.
Napoli, on the other hand, is betting on a long-term coach to return to competing at the top, relying on his ability to manage changing rooms and results. The move could reshape the balance of Serie A as early as next season, with Allegri called upon to demonstrate that he can win even away from Milan. His presence in Naples could accelerate the growth of young talents such as Giacomo Raspadori or Samuele Ricci, called to make the leap in quality under the guidance of an expert coach.
The reactions were not long in coming. Milan president Paolo Scaroni said: "We have made a difficult but necessary decision for the future of the club. " What does this move mean for Italian football?
Allegri arrives in Naples with the burden of being one of the most successful coaches of recent years, but also with the pressure of having to confirm his status away from Milan. Napoli, for their part, is counting on him to close the gap with the big European teams and return to winning in the league. The challenge is open, and Serie A could soon have a new protagonist.
His ability to adapt to different contexts will be put to the test already in the first part of the season, with qualification for the Champions League as an immediate objective. Allegri will officially present himself to the team and the Neapolitan fans on 25 June 2024, on the occasion of the presentation of the new shirt for the 2024-25 season. Read at MilanNews24
Why this matters
Allegri's signing with Napoli marks a changing of the guard in Italian football. Milan loses a winning coach, but gains space for a reconstruction without economic constraints. Napoli, on the other hand, is betting on a long-term coach to return to competing at the top, relying on his ability to manage changing rooms and results. The move could reshape the balance of Serie A as early as next season, with Allegri called upon to demonstrate that he can win even away from Milan. Furthermore, Allegri's move to Naples represents a strong signal: a successful coach chooses a place that is not historically successful, but with concrete ambitions and a talented squad ready to explode. The choice also reflects a growing trend in modern football, where successful managers are increasingly attracted to ambitious projects, regardless of the club's historical tradition.
Frequently asked
Why did Allegri leave Milan?
Allegri terminated his contract with Milan after five years, during which he won two Scudetti and a Super Cup. The decision is linked to an economic choice by the club, which preferred not to renew his salary to free up resources.
What results did Allegri achieve at Milan?
In five seasons, Allegri led Milan to two consecutive Scudetti (2021-22 and 2022-23) and to victory in the Italian Super Cup in 2022. He also reached the Champions League semi-final in the 2022-23 season.
What does Napoli expect from Allegri?
Napoli is counting on Allegri to relaunch the team after a fluctuating season, relying on his experience and ability to manage a competitive group. The goal is to return to fighting for the Scudetto and obtain results in Europe.
When will Allegri officially show up at Napoli?
Allegri will present himself to the team and the Neapolitan fans on 25 June 2024, on the occasion of the presentation of the new shirt for the 2024-25 season.
How did Milan fans react to Allegri's departure?
Milan fans are divided: on the one hand those who celebrate the end of a winning cycle, on the other those who regret the farewell of a coach capable of bringing stability and results in five years of management. Also weighing heavily is the memory of the 2022-23 Champions League semi-final, when Allegri's Milan came close to reaching the final.
Which key players will Napoli be able to count on with Allegri?
Napoli will have a high-level squad at their disposal, with players such as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Victor Osimhen, both returning from seasons of high individual level but with room for collective growth.
