By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Italy, May 25, 2026 - Italian giants AC Milan have officially sacked manager Massimiliano Allegri following a disastrous end to the 2025–26 season that saw the club miss out on UEFA Champions League qualification.
The decision came less than 24 hours after Milan’s painful 2-1 home defeat to Cagliari on the final day of the Serie A season, a result that condemned the Rossoneri to a fifth-place finish and Europa League football next season.
Heading into the final weeks of the campaign, Milan were still in contention for a Champions League place. However, a poor run of results destroyed their hopes.
The club managed only one win in their final four league matches, with the decisive blow arriving at San Siro against Cagliari. Milan initially took the lead, but defensive mistakes and poor finishing once again haunted Allegri’s side.
The defeat sparked frustration among supporters, many of whom had already been protesting against the ownership and club leadership throughout the season.
According to reports, Milan’s ownership described the season as an “unequivocal failure,” confirming Allegri’s dismissal as part of a much larger restructuring project.
The managerial dismissal reportedly comes alongside major executive changes involving Giorgio Furlani, Igli Tare, and Geoffrey Moncada as Milan prepare for a “profound reorganization” ahead of next season.
Allegri only returned to Milan in 2025 for a second spell at the club after previous managers Paulo Fonseca and Sérgio Conceição failed to stabilize the team.
There was optimism surrounding his return because of his successful first spell between 2010 and 2014, when he guided Milan to the 2010–11 Serie A title and the 2011 Supercoppa Italiana.
However, the second era never fully convinced supporters.
While Milan showed moments of tactical discipline and defensive solidity, the team struggled badly with attacking consistency, creativity, injuries, and maintaining momentum in crucial matches.
As pressure mounted late in the season, reports emerged of emergency meetings between Allegri and players at Milanello training ground as Champions League qualification slipped away.
Throughout the campaign, Milan supporters increasingly voiced frustration with:
- the club hierarchy,
- transfer strategy,
- inconsistent performances,
- and the lack of identity on the pitch.
The atmosphere at San Siro became tense in the closing months of the season, with fan protests intensifying before key matches.
Many supporters felt the squad lacked the intensity and ambition expected from a club with Milan’s history.
Missing out on Champions League qualification is a huge financial and sporting setback for Milan.
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The club had hoped to re-establish itself among Europe’s elite after winning Serie A in 2022 under Stefano Pioli. Instead, this season exposed serious structural and sporting issues.
The failure becomes even more painful considering surprise package Como secured a historic Champions League place ahead of Milan.
For a club with seven European Cups, missing out on Europe’s top competition is viewed internally as unacceptable.
Although Milan have not yet announced a replacement, several names are already being linked with the role across Italian media.
Potential candidates reportedly include Roberto De Zerbi who may sign a permanent deal with Spurs after helping the London side survive relegation, Thiago Motta, who has left Napoli, Antonio Conte, and Vincenzo Italiano.
The club is expected to prioritize younger tactical ideas, attacking football, and long-term squad development.
Despite the disappointing ending, Allegri still leaves behind an important legacy at Milan.
During his first spell, he helped guide the club back to the top of Italian football after difficult post-Carlo Ancelotti years. His 2010–11 Serie A title remains Milan’s first Scudetto of the modern era before the Stefano Pioli revival.
However, football is ultimately judged by results, and missing the Champions League proved impossible for the club’s ownership to accept.
Milan now face one of their most important summers in years. The club must:
- appoint a new manager,
- restructure leadership,
- improve recruitment,
- and rebuild confidence among supporters.
Without Champions League football, Milan may also struggle to attract elite transfer targets while balancing financial pressures.
Several players could now face uncertain futures, especially if the club decides to begin another major rebuild.
The sacking of Massimiliano Allegri marks another dramatic chapter in AC Milan’s turbulent recent history.
What began as a hopeful reunion between club and coach ended with disappointment, frustration, and another painful reset.
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