Massimiliano Allegri, a figure synonymous with tactical astuteness and a healthy dose of pragmatic wit, is poised for his much-anticipated return to the AC Milan dugout. As the clock ticks down to Saturday`s Serie A 2025-26 season opener against newly-promoted Cremonese at the iconic San Siro, the Rossoneri`s new (yet familiar) head coach shared his insights, setting the stage for what promises to be a captivating campaign.
After a brief, almost poetic, stint observing from the stands during the Coppa Italia, Allegri is back where he belongs: orchestrating from the touchline. His pre-match press conference, a ritualistic dance of anticipation and expectation, revealed a coach both eager and acutely aware of the challenges ahead. “The first league games are always the toughest,” Allegri mused, acknowledging the twin dragons of less-than-optimal squad condition and the ever-distracting open transfer window. It`s a classic opening line, delivered with the wisdom of a man who`s seen a few seasons, and likely a few too many transfer sagas.
Leao`s Lingering Question Mark
One of the primary talking points, and a source of collective sighing for Milanisti, revolves around the mercurial talent of Rafael Leao. The Portuguese winger remains sidelined for the Cremonese clash, with Allegri offering a guarded but hopeful update: “No specific updates on Rafa Leao, he`s doing well and we hope to have him in Lecce, otherwise we`ll see him after the international break.” Patience, it seems, is not just a virtue, but a necessity when dealing with key injuries at the season`s onset.
Modric: The Maestro`s Measured Minutes
Perhaps the most intriguing strategic puzzle for Allegri involves the ageless Croatian maestro, Luka Modric. The decision on whether he starts or comes off the bench against Cremonese will be made on game day. Allegri, never one to shy away from praising pure class, waxed lyrical about Modric`s touch: “There`s no need to speak technically about Modric. It`s wonderful when he touches the ball, he uses the outside of his foot more than the inside.” A subtle nod to the artistry that defies conventional coaching.
However, even legends eventually must concede to the relentless march of time, or at least, physics. “He cannot have the physicality of twenty years ago, so we will try to manage his season in the best possible way,” Allegri pragmatically added. It’s the kind of statement that acknowledges genius while simultaneously laying out a carefully calibrated plan to extract maximum value without burning out the invaluable asset. Managing a legend, it turns out, is less about “how” to play him, and more about “how much.”
Midfield reinforcements, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Youssouf Fofana, also received a direct challenge from the coach. With their blend of technical skill and physicality, Allegri expects a minimum of 15 goals combined from the duo by season`s end. A clear target, perhaps designed to ignite their competitive spirit from day one.
Defensive Foundations: Flexibility is Key
On the defensive front, Allegri expressed calm confidence, dispelling any notions of a shortage of central defenders. “Four central defenders are few? I wouldn`t say so. And then two of them, like De Winter and Tomori, can play on the right, in addition to Jimenez and Athekame. I`m very calm. The important thing is that everyone is well.” This highlights a philosophy where versatility is prized, and players capable of slotting into multiple positions provide the necessary depth without needing an army of specialists.
Tactical Fluidity: More Than Just a Number
The eternal debate of formations – three at the back or four? – was met with Allegri`s characteristic shrug and a focus on practicality. “At the moment, we had Leao, Pulisic, and Saelemaekers up front. Whether they are closer or further apart, we will somehow get them on the pitch.” It`s a testament to his belief that systems are subservient to player characteristics. “It`s not a question of three or four at the back, but of the characteristics of the players,” he clarified. “If I put another player in Tomori`s place as a low right-back, I`ll have more attacking thrust. But you can play in various ways.”
Allegri also reserved a special mention for Gimenez, expressing contentment with his current form and hoping he can sustain it for the full ninety minutes. This underscores the coach`s keen eye for individual development and his willingness to trust emerging talent. The core message is clear: adaptability, daily hard work, and maintaining equilibrium are paramount.
As AC Milan embarks on its 2025-26 Serie A journey, under the familiar yet fresh guidance of Massimiliano Allegri, the stage is set for a season of intriguing tactical battles and star-studded performances. The coach’s measured approach, combining realistic expectations with high demands, signals a focused campaign where every player and every decision will be under scrutiny. For the Rossoneri faithful, the anticipation for Saturday`s kickoff just got a little more intense.