AC Milan Sack Massimiliano Allegri After Champions League Collapse, Rebranding Begins

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief

Published May 30, 2026

AC Milan’s dramatic downfall in the 2025-26 Serie A season reached its apex on May 24 as the Rossoneri suffered a 2-1 defeat to Cagliari, cementing their fifth-place finish and a second consecutive failure to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. The loss triggered an immediate managerial overhaul, with head coach Massimiliano Allegri and three senior executives departing in a shock restructuring plan unveiled by the club’s American owners, RedBird Capital.

Allegri’s Second Spell Ends in Disarray

Allegri, 58, had returned to Milan in May 2025 after a two-year stint at Juventus, aiming to recapture the success that defined his first tenure from 2010-2014. During that era, he won the 2010-11 Serie A title and the Italian Super Cup. However, his second spell faltered amid a late-season collapse that saw Milan lose seven of their final 13 games, including a 4-0 thrashing by Inter Milan in April.

The final blow came at San Siro on May 24, where a 2-1 home defeat to Cagliari sparked boos from fans and sealed the club’s exit from Europe’s premier competition. “The final stretch was completely inconsistent with the performance up to that point,” read a statement from RedBird Capital. “Last night’s disappointing loss in the final game turned the season into an unequivocal failure.”

Executive Exodus and Organizational Overhaul

The fallout extended beyond the coaching staff. Chief executive Giorgio Furlani, sporting director Igli Tare, and technical director Geoffrey Moncada also left the club, marking a sweeping reorganization of Milan’s football operations. The move follows months of internal tension, with sources indicating disagreements over transfer strategies and player development.

RedBird Capital, which acquired Milan in 2022 for €1.2 billion, emphasized the need for “a comprehensive reorganisation” to rebuild the club’s competitive edge. The statement added, “It is now time for change,” hinting at a potential search for a new manager as early as June.

Champions League Miss: A Second Consecutive Failure

This marks Milan’s second consecutive failure to qualify for the Champions League, a stark contrast to their 2020-21 campaign when they reached the final. The club’s struggles were compounded by a lack of consistency in their attacking third, with critics pointing to “chronic issues” in the forward line. Key players like Olivier Giroud and Zlatan Ibrahimović saw their roles diminish as the season progressed, though no direct conflicts were reported in the verified sources.

The failure to secure European qualification has significant financial implications. The Champions League generates over €200 million in revenue annually, while the Europa League offers a fraction of that. Milan’s financial model, already under pressure from the pandemic-era economic challenges, now faces renewed scrutiny.

Looking Ahead: A New Era for Milan?

With Allegri’s departure, the search for a new manager is expected to intensify. Potential candidates include Andoni Iraola, the current coach of Athletic Club, and Xavi Hernández, the legendary Barcelona midfielder currently managing Al-Sadd. However, the club’s board is also considering internal options, with assistant coach Paulo Fonseca emerging as a possible contender.

Despite the turmoil, Milan remains a global powerhouse with a fanbase of over 100 million. The club’s long-term vision under RedBird Capital includes modernizing its infrastructure, expanding its digital footprint, and re-establishing dominance in Serie A. As one analyst noted, “This represents a crossroads for Milan. The right decisions now could restore their legacy, while mistakes could deepen the crisis.”

Key Takeaways

• AC Milan finished fifth in Serie A, missing the Champions League for the second straight season.
• Massimiliano Allegri was sacked after a late-season collapse that saw seven of 13 games lost.
• Senior executives Giorgio Furlani, Igli Tare, and Geoffrey Moncada also resigned.
• The club’s owners called the season an “unequivocal failure” and announced a major reorganisation.
• A new manager is expected to be appointed by early June, with Andoni Iraola and Xavi among potential candidates.

What’s Next?

The immediate focus for Milan will be on securing a new head coach before the summer transfer window. The club is also expected to unveil a detailed roadmap for the 2026-27 season, with an emphasis on strengthening the squad and addressing tactical shortcomings. Fans will be watching closely as the Rossoneri aim to reclaim their place among Europe’s elite.

Stay tuned to archysport.com for updates on Milan’s managerial search and the club’s future plans.

Comments and shares are welcome below. What are your thoughts on AC Milan’s restructuring? Have you followed the club’s journey through this tumultuous season?