Massimiliano Allegri is considering leaving AC Milan when his contract expires at the end of the season, sources indicate, following an irreparable breakdown with club advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The veteran tactician returned to San Siro with ambitious plans in 2025 but now faces a toxic internal environment that has drained his patience and threatened the club's European aspirations.
Relations between Allegri and Ibrahimovic collapsed after Milan's April defeat to Napoli, with the dispute centred on goalkeeper selection for next season. This marks a disturbing pattern: a similar confrontation erupted in 2012 at Emirates Stadium following Arsenal's 3-0 Champions League victory, also rooted in a goalkeeping disagreement. Ibrahimovic has previously recalled that incident, saying Allegri appeared unbothered despite the heavy loss, prompting the Swedish icon to challenge the coach's professionalism.
Internal Turmoil Threatens European Qualification
The boardroom friction coincides with Milan's alarming form, with the Rossoneri winning just once in their last six matches. Champions League qualification now hangs in the balance, and the next 180 minutes of Serie A football will likely determine whether Allegri stays or leaves. The coach is increasingly isolated, with Ibrahimovic reportedly making direct calls to star players including Rafael Leao and Youssouf Fofana to offer tactical guidance, further undermining Allegri's authority.
Allegri's frustration extends beyond personal conflict. He complains of a lack of clarity in transfer strategy: the club claimed funds were unavailable in January, yet suddenly sanctioned a €30 million move for Jean-Philippe Mateta. This inconsistency has eroded trust in the hierarchy. Meanwhile, the two men no longer communicate, with Ibrahimovic avoiding the training ground entirely.
Path Forward: Italy or Exit
Should Allegri depart, reports suggest the Serie A manager and 2011 Scudetto winner could join the Italian national team under Giovanni Malago's supervision. Ibrahimovic, by contrast, appears positioned to tighten his grip on power, potentially bringing Fabio Paratici in as sporting director to oversee a summer overhaul. With only weeks left in the season, Allegri's Milan future now rests entirely on whether the club can secure European football and whether he can tolerate the dysfunction any longer.
