Massimiliano Allegri isn’t looking for a comeback story at Napoli, but he’s not exactly over how things ended at Milan. The 58-year-old was shown the door in May after what the Rossoneri’s owners called an ‘unequivocal failure’ of a season. Fast forward to July, and he’s back in the saddle with a three-year deal at Napoli. But that collapse? It’s still gnawing at him.
Milan spent most of last season in the top two, fighting for the Scudetto. Then the wheels came off: just two wins in their last eight matches dropped them to fifth on the final day, costing them a Champions League spot. ‘It’s not about redemption,’ Allegri said in his first presser as Napoli boss on Tuesday. ‘Sometimes seasons just end a certain way. I’m disappointed by how things turned out. We were in the top three from Matchday 2 through Matchday 37; we only dropped out on the first and last matchdays, and the last one is the one that counts.’
‘I’m disappointed because, in all my time coaching — at Juventus and Milan — this was the first time I’ve finished outside the top four. And I won’t deny that it’s weighed on me.’
Allegri has a tough act to follow at Napoli, replacing Antonio Conte, who left the southern club in May after two years that produced a first-place finish and a second-place finish. This isn’t the first time Allegri has stepped into Conte’s shoes: he took over at Juventus in 2014 after Conte had won three straight Serie A titles. Allegri then reeled off five more, plus four Italian Cups and two Champions League final appearances.
‘I am inheriting a squad that is certainly accustomed to hard work,’ Allegri said. ‘Conte has proven his worth throughout his career. I’m lucky, this is actually the second time I’ve inherited Antonio’s team — let’s hope it’s a good omen.’
‘It will be important to work with seriousness and professionalism, and above all to lay the groundwork for reaching March — as I always say that’s when seasons are decided — still in contention for all our objectives: Serie A, the Champions League, the Italian Cup.’
Milan replaced Allegri with Ruben Amorim, and at the Portuguese coach’s presentation, team owner Gerry Cardinale took a veiled shot, saying he wanted a coach who plays to win, not one who plays not to lose. Allegri wasn’t biting. ‘I absolutely do not comment on the ownership’s words,’ he said. ‘I can only thank those who supported me all season. Then, unfortunately, we are sorry for the missed objectives.’
‘But another year begins, beautiful to experience, we have three competitions and we start with great enthusiasm.’
Allegri and Napoli kick off their 2026-27 Serie A campaign away to Genoa. Time to see if that Milan weight finally lifts.