Massimiliano Allegri

[Socrates 8330]

[Socrates 8330]

Allegri set for Juve job

Jul 15, 2014

According to Sky Sport Italia, Juventus are in negotiations with Massimiliano Allegri to replace Antonio Conte.

Allegri had already been named as one of the candidates for the Bianconeri job along with Roberto Mancini, Luciano Spalletti and Zinedine Zidane.

This evening Sky Sport Italia claim Juve are in talks with Allegri and he could even be at the Vinovo training ground on Wednesday morning.

Conte left the club this evening, terminating his contract by mutual consent and is widely expected to become Italy Coach.

Allegri was fired by Milan in January after the worst first half to their Serie A season in decades.

[Socrates 8330]

Allegri agrees Juve deal

Jul 16, 2014

Reports in the Italian Press this morning claim that Massimiliano Allegri has agreed a two-year deal with Juventus.

Antonio Conte shocked the football world last night when he revealed he was stepping down as Coach after three title-winning years.

Rumours suggest that the 44-year-old fell out with the Juve hierarchy over transfer strategy, with the club willing to sell Arturo Vidal or Paul Pogba.

And several sources, including Mediaset and giornalaccio rosa dello Sport believe that the former Milan boss has already spoken with the Bianconeri, and agreed a two-year contract.

Allegri was sacked by the Rossoneri mid-way through last season after a miserable start to the campaign.

But it seems that the Old Lady see the 46-year-old as the man to guide them to a fourth successive Scudetto and European glory.

[Socrates 8330]

Allegri finalising Juve details

Jul 16, 2014

Sky Sport Italia claim that Massimiliano Allegri is just negotiating the details of his contract with Juventus, but could be in training later today.

Antonio Conte shocked the football world last night by revealing that he was stepping down as Bianconeri Coach after three years.

It is believed that the 44-year-old fell out with the club’s hierarchy over transfer strategy, with the board members in Turin happy to sell Arturo Vidal or Paul Pogba.

As such, the champions have acted quickly to appoint a successor, and are set to announce the former Milan man has the new Coach on a two-year deal.

The station reports that Allegri actually spoke with Juve last night, and is, right now, finalising arrangements with the club on a deal worth €2m per season.

The 46-year-old is then set to travel to Vinovo later today, and could be in place to take charge of training this evening.

[Socrates 8330]

Allegri pens Juve deal

Jul 16, 2014

Several outlets in the Italian Press confirm that Massimiliano Allegri has just signed a two-year contract with Juventus.

Reports emerged last night that the former Milan man was the favourite to succeed Antonio Conte following his resignation.

The 44-year-old shocked the football world on Tuesday evening by confirming that he was leaving the Bianconeri after three years in charge.

And a number of sources, including Sky Sport Italia believe that the 46-year-old has, just now, put pen-to-paper on a contract.

Allegri will take charge of the champions for two years, and earn €2m per season.

Official confirmation from the Turin outfit is expected imminently.

[Socrates 8330]

Allegri unveiled at Juve this afternoon

Jul 16, 2014

Massimiliano Allegri will be officially unveiled as the new Juventus Coach at 14.00 UK time this afternoon.

Despite no word from the Bianconeri, it is widely believed that the former Milan man has already signed a two-year contract to succeed Antonio Conte.

The 44-year-old shocked fans all over the world on Tuesday when he revealed he was stepping down after three years in charge.

The champions seem to have acted quickly to appoint a new man though, and have turned to the former Rossoneri boss.

And several reports, including one from La Stampa, believe that a Press conference will be called for 15.00 CET, where Allegri will be unveiled and answer questions from the Press.

[Socrates 8330]

Allegri to be named as
new Juventus coach

The former AC Milan boss has agreed a two-year deal with the Bianconeri,
with official confirmation of his appointment expected soon.

Jul 16, 2014

By Romeo Agresti

Massimiliano Allegri is to be named as the new coach of Juventus following the sudden departure of Antonio Conte, Goal understands.

Conte guided the Turin side to three consecutive Serie A titles after taking over in the summer of 2011, but decided to resign on Tuesday over his frustration with the club's transfer policy.

Juventus have wasted no time in finding a replacement, though, and on Wednesday morning Allegri held successful talks with Bianconeri president Andrea Agnelli where the pair agreed on a two-year deal worth €2 million a season plus bonuses.

Official confirmation of the appointment could arrive on Wednesday, with Allegri starting his new job on Thursday.

The Juve hierarchy had already held two phone conversations with the 46-year-old on Tuesday evening to sound him out about taking over the Old Lady.

Allegri has been out of work since he was sacked by AC Milan in January of this year and he sees Juventus as the perfect challenge to get his career back on track.

[Socrates 8330]

Juventus confirm Allegri appointment

The reigning Italian champions have announced the 46-year-old as the replacement
to Antonio Conte and the new boss stressed his delight at being given such a chance.

Jul 16, 2014

Juventus have confirmed the appointment of Massimiliano Allegri as their new head coach.

The Serie A champions were looking for a new trainer following the shock departure of Antonio Conte on Tuesday and they have now named the former AC Milan coach as their new boss.

"For me it is an honour to be called as coach of Juventus," he told reporters at a press conference to reveal his arrival on Wednesday. "I am content and happy to coach Juventus.

"Today and tomorrow I begin my work. I am at the club's disposal. I know this is an important role. Juventus have won the Scudetto for three straight years, I am here to continue to winning with this team.

"I am lucky because for four years I had the fortune to coach Milan, and now I have the opportunity to coach another big team like Juventus. It is an honour and I want to keep winning.

"We will fight for the Scudetto until the bitter end. In Europe we have a duty to put in a big showing in the Champions League."

Allegri had been out of work ever since he was fired by the San Siro side back in January and he will now be looking to redeem himself at Juve.

The 46-year-old started his coaching career at Aglianese and also took charge of Real SPAL, Grosseto, Sassuolo and Cagliari before taking over at Milan in 2010.

He guided the San Siro outfit to the Serie A title in his first season, but failed to replicate that feat in the following seasons - partially due to the departure of stars such as Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Allegri will be looking to guide Juventus - who confirmed the deal on their Twitter - to their fourth consecutive Scudetto, while the club's board of directors will also expect European success.

Juventus were disappointingly eliminated in the group stages of the Champions League last term after making it to the quarter-finals the season before.

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What will Vidal and Pogba think now? Juventus
have scored an own goal by appointing Allegri

The decision to hand the recently-vacated hotseat to the former
AC Milan boss has had many Juve fans reacting with anger, and rightly so.

Jul 16, 2014

COMMENT
By Kris Voakes | International Football Correspondent

“Andrea, our coach Massimiliano Allegri reckons that if you stay, you won’t be able to play in front of the defence. He’s got a different role in mind for you. Still in midfield, but on the left.”

Those were the words of CEO Adriano Galliani on the day Andrea Pirlo’s spell with AC Milan came to an end. After 10 years at one club, most players get a testimonial. Pirlo got a kick in the backside.

But it was Allegri who felt it the most in the long term.

Pirlo took the snub with dignity, went to Juventus and won three successive titles. He was the metronome around which Antonio Conte based his entire squad, and the catalyst behind the club’s revival.

While all this was going on, Allegri was making major errors of judgement. Having won the Scudetto in his first season in charge, he let the success go to his head. He decided that Pirlo and Mark van Bommel couldn’t play in the same side, and the Dutchman couldn’t perform anywhere but in front of the back four.

Despite Van Bommel later going on to show at PSV that he had more than enough ability to play off-centre, the coach was adamant, and without Pirlo Milan struggled to gain midfield control in many of their fixtures.

He also risked Thiago Silva’s fitness against Roma three days before a Champions League clash with Barcelona, the Brazilian lasted 10 minutes, missed the rest of the season, Milan lost the title and the defender never played for the club again.

Tactically, he proved himself to be short too. Much of his spell with the Rossoneri was focused on the individual brilliance of one man. In his first two seasons, that man was Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but after the failure to win the title in 2012 the Swede was gone. The following term began abysmally, with only Stephan El Shaarawy’s meteoric rise saving Milan from ignominy, and the January signing of Mario Balotelli gave Allegri a new totem pole to lean on.

There was also nothing of note that appeared to come from the training ground. After cleverly posting Mauro Tassotti to the task of working with Ignazio Abate immediately after being given the Milan job, Allegri’s coaching gained little extra credence. Other than the converted right-back, there were no obvious improvements in any of the players he had inherited.

The result of it all was that in January 2014, with Milan struggling in the bottom half of Serie A, Allegri was fired. The Diavolo had lost 17 points from leading positions over the first half of the season, culminating in a 4-3 loss at lowly Sassuolo.

Allegri may have had little support on the market in a time of austerity, but he had done absolutely nothing to help himself. There was no direction, no tactical ingenuity and no real rhyme or reason to team selection. His Milan had become one of the ugliest sides the club had had in living memory.

When he was pushed out of the same door from which Pirlo departed two-and-a-half years earlier, nobody could have foreseen that his destination would be the same as the midfielder’s.

The decision by Juventus to follow the resignation of Antonio Conte with the appointment of Allegri is a major own goal.

A club already in chaos – with the the futures of star players in doubt, political wranglings, transfer plans up in the air, Conte’s resignation fresh in the mind, and a disappointing European season to make up for – has just added another item to its list of issues.

Will Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal, who has been flirting with Manchester United the past week, see the arrival of Allegri as a good reason to stick around? No.

Will potential replacements believe that the ex-Cagliari and Sassuolo boss is the man to entrust with their short to long-term futures? Probably not.

Will the 46-year-old continue the recent trend of Juve playing high-energy, attack-heavy football? History suggests no.

Juventus have not signed a coach who will take them forward. They have signed somebody with a proven track record for going along with whatever his employers throw his way. It might sound like the kind of thing they need having just lost a man who was unwilling to meet them halfway, but Allegri’s approach hasn’t got him nearly far enough in the past.

Roma in particular have dealt very well this summer, bringing in the experience of Ashley Cole and Seydou Keita. But the biggest boost to any potential Scudetto challenger has come in Turin this week.

The exit of Conte was enough to have the rest of Serie A rubbing its hands with glee. The appointment of Allegri will probably spark parties in every non-Juventino house in the country.

[Socrates 8330]

Mancini: Juve didn’t approach me

Jul 16, 2014

Roberto Mancini has revealed Juventus did not approach him regarding their coaching position, which has been taken by Max Allegri.

Antonio Conte’s shock departure from the Old Lady hot-seat yesterday evening briefly left a vacant position, which has now been filled by the former Milan boss.

“Juve never pursued me, maybe I cost too much!” Mancini is quoted as saying by La Repubblica.

“It’s [Conte leaving] difficult to judge from the outside. The only thing that could be a problem is that the team were at the training camp with him.

“Conte had been coaching them for three years and he knew what the problems could be.”

Mancini added that he had no doubt Conte would soon be able to find a new club and also expressed his belief that Juve would move on without their successful Coach.

“I was working abroad for many years and there are a lot of opportunities. Juve are a big club, like Milan, Inter and Napoli, who can win.”

[Socrates 8330]

Official: Juve hire Allegri

Jul 16, 2014

Juventus have confirmed via social media that they have appointed Max Allegri to succeed Antonio Conte.

The old boss’ shock resignation was confirmed yesterday evening and the Old Lady have acted swiftly in bringing the former Milan boss to Turin.

“Allegri is the new manager of Juventus,” a brief note on the club’s Twitter account reads.

Allegri will imminently be unveiled in his new role at a Press conference, due to begin at 15.00 CET.

[Socrates 8330]

Marotta: Allegri hired to win

Jul 16, 2014

Juventus CEO Beppe Marotta insists new Old Lady Coach Max Allegri has been hired to continue the club’s recent success.

The former Milan boss takes over from Antonio Conte, who guided the Bianconeri to three straight Scudetti during his spell in charge in Turin.

“The objective is always to continue to win, so we had to act with extreme speed because the season started a few days ago,” Marotta said at the Press conference to announce Allegri’s unveiling.

“So, we identified the person with the profile best suited to replacing a winning Coach like Antonio Conte.

“Here with me is Max Allegri, who you know well. Max Allegri is a Coach who has shown he can win every time he has been called to.

“He won the League with Sassuolo, he did very well with Cagliari at a club who see survival as the prime target. That year, he earned recognition by winning the Serie A Coach of the Year award.

“Then, he was appointed by Milan and in his first year he won the Scudetto. We are opening this chapter with the principles and ideals that have been there throughout our history.

“We want to continue our cycle of victories.”

[Socrates 8330]

Allegri: A bolt from the blue

Jul 16, 2014

New Juventus Coach Max Allegri admits the call made to him to take charge of the Bianconeri was a bolt from the blue.

The former Milan boss replaces Antonio Conte in the Juve dugout, with the former Coach having only left his post yesterday evening.

“From today we will begin to work together,” Allegri said at a Press conference today. “For me it’s an honour, it was a bolt form the blue when I was called yesterday to ask whether I was available to coach Juventus.

“I am very happy and I know the importance of coaching Juventus. From tomorrow I will begin to work, together with the club, the players and the internationals who took part at the World Cup, in order to face up to an important and winning season.

“To do this we need good organisation in our work, something that over the last three years the players and the Coach have shown.

“Juventus is a club with history, tradition and a club which is constructing the present and future.

“At this moment I need to think about both the present and the future, I have inherited a team that has been winning for three years.

“I am here to put myself at the disposal of the club and the players, in order to contribute to this club continuing to win.”

[Socrates 8330]

Allegri understands fan scepticism

Jul 16, 2014

Max Allegri understands why Juventus fans may not have taken too kindly to his appointment as the club’s new Coach.

The former Milan boss has been chosen by the Old Lady hierarchy to replace Antonio Conte, who surprisingly resigned yesterday.

“I understand the scepticism of the fans because in practically a day the Coach has changed at Juventus,” Allegri told reporters at a Press conference.

“How to win them over? With results, work, respect and professionalism. Then, the fans would have a reason to recognise me.

“I understand the importance of coaching Juventus, I did four years at Milan. I think I am ready and capable of continuing the results that Juventus have had over the last three years.

“Maybe I can even look to improve them.

“Regarding the fans, I repeat, it’s normal that at the moment there is a reaction to the change in Coach.

“Even more so because Antonio Conte represented more than just a Coach in the last three years. He represented a lot for Juventus, both as a player and Coach.

“As far as the team goes, they have dominated in Italy and this year they have done something extraordinary.

“Obviously we will need to improve in the Champions League. The club has a strategy for the window, it is looking to strengthen the squad to make it even more competitive in Italy and in Europe.”

[Socrates 8330]

Allegri happy to work with Pirlo

Jul 16, 2014

Max Allegri has expressed his pleasure at having the chance to work with Andrea Pirlo again, having taken over at Juventus.

The duo worked together while they were at Milan, before the Rossoneri controversially allowed the playmaker to move to Turin, where he has flourished ever since.

Speaking at the Press conference to announce his appointment, Allegri however insisted that he has no problem with the Italy international and looks forward to linking up with him once again.

“We will start with the assumption that I have a great relationship with Andrea,” he told reporters. “We haven’t spoken to each other because until this morning, I wasn’t the Coach of Juventus.

“Regarding Andrea, he has been and is a champion. He was a champion at Milan with me until a year when he was unfortunate and had injuries. He always played and he had unforgettable years at Milan.

“He is doing that again at Juventus, so I am lucky to be working with him again.

“Unfortunately in football people think things are going a certain way when actually they are not like that at all.

“That year [at Milan], Andrea suffered a series of injuries and it was hard for him to come back.

“In the end, as I have explained many times, what happened happened. The club, Andrea and myself took the decision [that he would leave].

“Andrea took the decision to come to Juventus and luckily after three years I am back with him.

“He has had three great seasons and I repeat, I am happy to be back with him and there have never been problems between us.”

[Socrates 8330]

Allegri to follow Atletico example

Jul 16, 2014

Max Allegri has called for Juventus to follow the example set by Atletico Madrid as they bid to improve in the Champions League.

The new Old Lady Coach was speaking at a Press conference this afternoon to announce his appointment to succeed Antonio Conte.

“I know the team because they have played good matches over these three years and I know the players perfectly well,” Allegri told reporters.

“I will work on the character of the team and on a team that has done great things for three years.

“It’s normal that in Italy Juventus should be favourites after three Scudetti in a row. We will need to see at the end of the window what the other teams have done.

“We will be playing for the League right up until the end. In Europe there are big clubs, but through organisation and a good strategy in the transfer market, as Atletico Madrid have shown, we must have a great Champions League.

“I believe Juventus should definitely be among the top eight clubs in Europe.”

Allegri also said it is an honour to have taken over as boss of the Turin club and discussed potential signing Patrice Evra.

“Above all I consider myself fortunate during the last four years to have coached Milan and now Juventus. Not everyone can do that.

“I am excited because it’s the first day. I’m even a bit rusty in Press conferences, because it’s six months since I have done one!

“For me, it repeat it’s an honour, more than anything in terms of trying to continue to win.

“Evra is a player you cannot debate, he has done great things at Manchester United.”

[Socrates 8330]

Abate and Astori in Allegri's Juve

Jul 16, 2014

Max Allegri is said to have requested Ignazio Abate and Davide Astori for his new Juventus defence.

The Coach took over from Antonio Conte this afternoon and, with pre-season training already begun on Monday, time is short to rebuild the team in his image.

According to Sportmediaset, the ex-Milan tactician is looking to some of his old favourites to construct a four-man back line.

The first target is current Milan full-back Abate, who would cost around €8m for a permanent transfer.

Another addition could well be Cagliari centre-back Astori, who is also of interest to the likes of Inter, Southampton and Aston Villa.

Players who could be on their way out are Italy internationals Andrea Barzagli and Angelo Ogbonna.

Meanwhile, Sky Sport Italia claim Allegri has given the all-clear to go ahead with the purchase of Alvaro Morata from Real Madrid.

[Socrates 8330]

Juve fans protest Allegri

Jul 16, 2014

Around 300 Juventus fans protested Max Allegri’s appointment as ultras hold talks with Beppe Marotta.

The new tactician was presented to the media this afternoon and signed a two-year contract, replacing Antonio Conte.

Many Bianconeri supporters are not happy with this choice and around 300 staged a protest in front of the Vinovo training ground.

It is widely reported that five ultras representatives were allowed to enter Vinovo for private talks with the club directors, including director general Marotta and Allegri himself.

The meeting lasted only a few minutes.

[Socrates 8330]

Allegri's girlfriend insulted Juve

Jul 16, 2014

Max Allegri’s girlfriend may well regret insulting tweets she aimed at Juventus and Antonio Conte in 2012.

Allegri was appointed new Coach of Juve this afternoon and Gloria Patrizi will follow her partner to Turin.

However, the Corriere dello Sport dug into the archives to find some insulting tweets the ex-Playboy model posted about the Bianconeri in 2012.

Milan and Juventus were challenging for the Scudetto when Sulley Ali Muntari’s ‘phantom goal’ crossed the line, but was not spotted by referee Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni.

“Juve are the shame of Italy,” wrote Patrizi at the time.

“Man of the match: Mazzoleni. #itstheonlywaytheycanwin

“Oh just give a cigar and a hat to Conte and he becomes Al Pacino... Simply ridiculous!”

Allegri turns 47 next month and has a rather complex history in gossip magazines, leaving his girlfriend on the day of their wedding in 1992, divorced air hostess wife Gloria after four years and in 2011 broke up with his girlfriend of eight years Claudia while she was expecting their son.

[Socrates 8330]

Galliani: 'Allegri will face his past'

Jul 16, 2014

Adriano Galliani joked the Trofeo TIM will be “Max Day” as Allegri’s Juventus face Milan and Sassuolo.

The tournament will take place at the Mapei Stadium on August 23 and is a series of 45-minute games.

“Just think, at the Trofeo TIM Allegri will face his two former clubs, Sassuolo and Milan. He’s just missing Aglianese...” joked Galliani on Sportmediaset.

“That’s how bizarre destiny can be.”

Allegri was sacked by Milan in January and his replacement Clarence Seedorf also axed last month.

He was a surprise pick to replace Antonio Conte on the Juventus bench this afternoon.

“I spoke to him this morning and saw him leave for Turin,” added Galliani.

“I won’t say any more, as he is employed by a different club now.”

Milan CEO Galliani had often defended Allegri and reportedly convinced President Silvio Berlusconi to delay the sacking.

[Socrates 8330]

Allegri era begins at Juventus

Jul 17, 2014

Training at Juventus at the start of new Coach Massimiliano Allegri’s era takes place for the first time today.

The 46-year-old was quickly ushered in as the Bianconeri’s replacement for the departed Antonio Conte yesterday and then presented to the media.

On from spending last night at the team hotel where the players are currently based for this first run of pre-season training, the tactician arrived at Vinovo this morning with his new charges.

However, reports are that officially the morning training session was handled by the club’s physical trainer, as Allegri familiarised himself with the Turin club’s training complex and finalised details of his new coaching staff.

It is believed that Allegri will personally direct a first training session with the team this afternoon, whilst speculation continues to suggest he will not look to change too much in set-up, including keeping the 3-5-2 formation, even if also seeing a switch to a back-four defence as an option to also consider.

Allegri took to Twitter to comment on his return to work: “What a thrill to return to the field and direct training: I missed this!”

Sky Sport Italia indicate that Allegri’s intention is to take Juve’s pre-season training retreat away from Turin.

Yesterday evening saw the new Juve Coach face protests from around 300 angry supporters and apparently briefly meet five ultras, alongside director general Beppe Marotta.

[Socrates 8330]

Allegri to start 'new adventure'

Jul 17, 2014

Juventus’ first training session with Massimiliano Allegri at the helm is set to begin, and the Coach has revealed he can’t wait to start.

The former Milan boss was named as Antonio Conte’s successor on Wednesday following the 44-year-old’s shock resignation on Tuesday.

The Bianconeri acted quickly in hiring the ex-Cagliari man, and will this afternoon take charge of his debut session.

The squad took part in some medical examinations this morning, but will take to the pitch for the first time within a matter of hours, under the guidance of Allegri.

And the tactician tweeted in anticipation over lunch: “This afternoon is my first session at Juventus. The start of a new adventure. Fino alla fine!”

[Socrates 8330]

Galliani: Allegri a lucky man

Jul 17, 2014

Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has described Max Allegri as a lucky man after he was hired as Juventus Coach.

The new Bianconeri boss joins the Turin club following the resignation of Antonio Conte, having been sacked by the Rossoneri as recently as January.

“Max is a lucky man, after four years at Milan he gets Juve,” Galliani is quoted as saying by giornalaccio rosa Dello Sport.

[Socrates 8330]

New Juventus Coach Takes
First Training Session

Jul 17, 2014

Massimiliano Allegri held his first training session as Juventus coach on Thursday, claiming that it is a ‘thrill’ to be back in football.

The 46-year-old replaced Antonio Conte in the Bianconeri hot seat after Antonio Conte’s shock resignation on Tuesday.

The former Cagliari coach was dismissed as AC Milan coach in January and took to Twitter to display his ecstasy at returning to coaching after his first training session with the club.

“What a thrill to return to the field and direct training. I have missed it!,” wrote Allegri.

“In the afternoon I took my first training at Juventus; I am charged for this new adventure.”

The former Milan coach had been linked with the Italian national team job, but took the reins at the Juventus Stadium on Wednesday despite scepticism from some supporters about the appointment.

[Socrates 8330]

Allegri’s opportunity, Juve’s gain?

Max Allegri’s appointment at Juventus doesn’t have everyone
happy, but Luca Persico says the ingredients for success are there.

Jul 17, 2014

“The objective is always to continue to win. We want to continue our cycle of victories.” The aim is clear for Massimiliano Allegri. The words of sporting director Giuseppe Marotta at the unveiling of the new Juventus Coach were patent and to the point.

Having won the last three titles - one unbeaten and the most recent with a record points total of 102 - Juventus sit head and shoulders above everyone else in Serie A.

Last term, Roma came second with 85 points. That would have won them the Scudetto in five of the last seven seasons, yet they were 17 points adrift of the Bianconeri. Departing Coach Antonio Conte has set a benchmark that is dauntingly high and leaves his replacement Allegri with an unenviable task - one that many believe he is under qualified for.

Around 300 Juventus fans protested the former Milan man’s appointment outside the club’s headquarters yesterday evening, while a handful of leading ultras were even allowed into the grounds to vent their frustration.

The message is clear, yet Allegri believes he can get the tifosi onside. “I understand the scepticism of the fans,” he insisted. “How to win them over? With results, work, respect and professionalism.”

His first job will be to repair his relationship with Andrea Pirlo. It was Allegri, after all, who was a leading voice in allowing him to leave Milan for Juventus in the summer of 2011. The tactician started the charm offensive in his Press conference, noting that he is” “lucky to be working with him again.”

Allegri gets a second chance with Pirlo due to a managerial resume that is smattered with several notable achievements. His promotion to Serie B with Sassuolo, in 2008, highlighted his potential as a promising Coach and he was subsequently snapped up by Cagliari. His debut season in Sardinia was successful - he led Cagliari to ninth - and he was awarded the Panchina d’Oro. Whilst surprisingly replaced towards the end of his second season with the Rossoblu, Allegri was handed his big break in June 2010, when Milan came calling.

The Rossoneri had gone six seasons without winning the Scudetto, but with the goals of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Alexandre Pato and Robinho, Allegri was able to pip city rivals Inter to the title. That victory was supposed to be a building block, but the emergence of Conte’s Juventus, the subsequent sales of Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva and a lack of investment made Allegri’s job increasingly difficult over the next three seasons and he was eventually sacked in January.

In those two-and-a-half seasons the followed the Scudetto victory, Allegri did, however, show good aspects of his coaching that will perhaps reassure Juventus fans.

His ability to adapt and to find solutions with an incomplete squad and substandard players was vital in securing an unlikely third placed finish in the 2012-13 campaign. His clever, yet subtle tactical tweaks that earned famous wins over Arsenal and Barcelona will also be welcome at a club that has underwhelmed in the Champions League. He also arguably should have broken Juventus’ unbeaten run in Conte’s debut season, when Sulley Muntari’s goal was wrongly disallowed.

Despite his successes, Allegri will know he has to adapt. He needs to be more assured and composed at crucial moments, while his training methods that have seemingly lead to injuries and questionable levels of fitness should be tweaked.

The 46 year-old inherits a squad that is set in its ways and at its peak. Allegri cannot improve on what Conte’s achieved with them domestically, but he has to continue with the strong foundations that have been built and try to refresh where necessary.

He will hope to win over the fans with an improved performance in the Champions League - the only competition Conte fell short in. To do that, he may switch to a back four - a decision that would be risky, but ensure that this is a Juventus that has his stamp on it.

The timing of Conte’s departure has given Allegri an incredible opportunity he may not have otherwise got. His appointment is rightly questioned, but he has shown at Milan that when he has a settled squad at his disposal, he can win. Allegri will certainly find that at Juventus, while his ability to balance continuity with the right regeneration will determine whether he keeps the Old Lady at the top of Italian football.