The always suit-clad Italian manager Massimiliano Allegri, who has a very impressive CV with six Serie A titles, is now back AC Milan.
The 58-year-old is set to become the favourite to take over from Álvaro Arbeloa at Real Madrid, who will certainly not be allowed to continue after the season.
Read: Manchester United star Harry Maguire gets 15 months suspended prison
The Real Madrid bench is starting to take shape for the 2026/27 season. With the almost certain departure of Álvaro Arbeloa after a season marked by inconsistency and lack of decisive results, the sports management is already working to secure his replacement.
There have been several examples of the varying form this season, most recently from last weekend when Real Madrid drew 2-2 away to Real Betis. Barcelona are on their way to bringing home another La Liga title. After 26 rounds, they lead by four points.
The name that has got the most wind in its sails in recent hours is Massimiliano Allegri. He has always been well regarded at the Santiago Bernabéu, and according to several reports, initial contacts have already taken place between the parties.
Allegri, a profile that fits the present moment
Allegri is neither an inexperienced coach nor a gamble for the future. He is an experienced leader, used to dealing with top-level players and competing under high-pressure scenarios.
His track record in Italy speaks for itself: league championships, European finals and a recognised ability to adapt to different tactical contexts. At Milan, he has shown the ability to rebuild projects and compete with pragmatism, with a priority on defensive balance and emotional group management.
Exactly what Real Madrid are looking for after a turbulent season. The club needs to regain authority on the sidelines and competitive stability. Allegri offers hierarchy, experience and a strategic understanding of the game that would suit a squad in need of discipline.
Read on F7: Liverpool understand it was a mistake to sell Jarrell Quansah
Initial contacts and clear favorite status
Preliminary talks have already taken place. Although there is no closed deal, the relationship is positive, and the Italian coach appears to be the leading candidate on the shortlist.
His ability to manage egos and experience from European competitions is valued at the club. After the stresses in the dressing room during Xabi Alonso’s era and the failed transfer with Arbeloa, the priority is to bet on a coach with established authority.
Allegri also fits the template of a coach that Florentino Pérez has historically preferred during periods of restructuring: a seasoned coach, pragmatic, and able to compete from day one.
Massimiliano Allegri, current coach of Milan
A new era at the Bernabéu
Real Madrid are preparing for a summer of crucial decisions, not only in the transfer market, but also in the technical structure. Allegri’s arrival would mean a shift towards a more conservative and structured model, away from investments in development.
The 2026/27 season will mark a new cycle. The club wants to avoid another transition year and is relying on a figure who provides immediate guarantees.
At the moment, Massimiliano Allegri is leading the race for the white bench. The coming weeks will be crucial in defining the final deal, but in the Madrid environment, the understanding is growing that the next coach will speak Italian.
The road so far!
| Club | Club Name | Role | Start Date | End Date | Matches | Points Per Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC Milan | AC Milan | Manager | 25/26 (01/07/2025) | expected 30/06/2027 | 31 | 2.03 |
| Juventus FC | Juventus | Manager | 21/22 (01/07/2021) | 23/24 (17/05/2024) | 149 | 1.84 |
| Juventus FC | Juventus | Manager | 14/15 (16/07/2014) | 18/19 (30/06/2019) | 271 | 2.27 |
| AC Milan | AC Milan | Manager | 10/11 (01/07/2010) | 13/14 (13/01/2014) | 178 | 1.81 |
| Cagliari Calcio | Cagliari | Manager | 08/09 (01/07/2008) | 09/10 (13/04/2010) | 74 | 1.30 |
| US Sassuolo | Sassuolo | Manager | 07/08 (17/07/2007) | 07/08 (30/06/2008) | 36 | 1.83 |
| Calcio Lecco 1912 | Lecco | Manager | 07/08 (01/07/2007) | 07/08 (16/07/2007) | – | 0.00 |
| US Grosseto FC | Grosseto | Manager | 05/06 (17/04/2006) | 06/07 (29/10/2006) | 17 | 1.24 |
| US Grosseto FC | Grosseto | Manager | 05/06 (19/07/2005) | 05/06 (26/10/2005) | 11 | 1.27 |
| SP Ars et Labor | SPAL | Manager | 04/05 (01/07/2004) | 04/05 (30/06/2005) | 34 | 1.26 |
| Aglianese Calcio 1923 | Aglianese | Manager | 03/04 (01/07/2003) | 03/04 (30/06/2004) | 34 | 1.12 |









