Friction with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and a possible move to Italy’s national team are fueling uncertainty around the Rossoneri manager’s future
Massimiliano Allegri’s second stint at AC Milan may already be heading toward an unexpected ending. According to reports emerging from Italy, the veteran coach is seriously considering stepping down at the end of the season regardless of whether Milan secures a Champions League spot over the final two Serie A matches.
What once looked like a project built for stability has instead turned into a turbulent campaign marked by internal disagreements, fan frustration, and growing uncertainty at club level.
Allegri is believed to be increasingly disillusioned with the atmosphere surrounding the Rossoneri in recent weeks. The pressure around CEO Giorgio Furlani, ongoing doubts regarding sporting director Igli Tare’s future, and dissatisfaction with the club’s January transfer window have all reportedly contributed to the manager’s frustration.
One of the major issues appears to be the relationship between Allegri and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The former Milan striker, now heavily involved in the club’s sporting operations, has reportedly never developed strong chemistry with the coach. Italian media claim Allegri was unhappy after learning that Ibrahimovic had direct conversations with several players regarding tactical and technical matters — something the Tuscan manager allegedly viewed as interference in his role.
The January market only added to the tension. Milan pushed for attacking reinforcements during the winter window, but the squad ultimately ended up with limited solutions up front, relying heavily on Niclas Füllkrug as the lone true striker option. That situation reportedly left Allegri feeling unsupported by the club hierarchy during a crucial phase of the season.
Despite the turmoil, Milan still controls its Champions League destiny. The Rossoneri are currently level on points with AS Roma in the race for fourth place but hold the advantage through head-to-head results. The final two matches of the campaign will determine whether the club returns to Europe’s top competition next season.
At the same time, another possibility is beginning to gain momentum: the Italian national team. Allegri has long been linked with the Italian Football Federation job, and the opportunity could become increasingly attractive if leadership changes arrive within the federation. Reports in Italy suggest that a scenario involving Giovanni Malagò in a prominent FIGC role could strengthen the chances of Allegri considering the move.
For now, Milan’s focus remains on closing the season successfully. But behind the scenes, there is a growing sense that the club and its manager could be heading in different directions once the campaign comes to an end.
