Massimiliano Allegri, who recently parted ways with Juventus, has been linked with various lucrative positions in the Saudi Pro League and the English Premier League. But the celebrated figure in Italian soccer has clear aspirations for his next career move. According to his mentor Giovanni Galeone, Allegri is not interested in lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia or England. Instead, Allegri dreams of leading the Italy national team.
Allegri has had a successful and financially rewarding career, having coached major clubs like AC Milan and Juventus. Under his leadership, Juventus won several Serie A titles, cementing his reputation as one of Italy’s top coaches.
Despite these achievements, the 56-year-old’s journey with the Bianconeri ended tumultuously towards the end of last season, leading to a mutual termination of his contract. Now a free agent, Allegri has been linked with various roles, including high-paying positions in the Saudi Pro League and the Premier League. However, his ambitions lie closer to home.
Galeone, who coached Allegri during his playing days and has remained a close confidant, shared insights into his career aspirations. “Allegri is not dreaming of Saudi Arabia or England,” Galeone told Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli. “He earned a lot in his career, so his next choice will certainly not depend on the money that he’ll get. Allegri is dreaming of the Italian national team and maybe one day he’ll make it happen.”
The Italian national team, currently under the guidance of Luciano Spalletti, experienced a disappointing run in Euro 2024. The Azzurri fell to Switzerland in the Round of 16 after sneaking out of the group stage. Despite the early exit, Galeone defended Spalletti, crediting him for Italy’s progression to the knockout stages. “I think he did the best he could at Euro 2024, as with another coach we probably would not even have got out of the group stage,” Galeone remarked.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has reiterated its support for Spalletti, despite the team’s underwhelming performance. Nonetheless, Allegri’s name has frequently surfaced as a potential successor if Spalletti resigns.
The soccer world is unpredictable, and Allegri’s next steps remain uncertain. There are several potential paths he could take. Given the stress of his recent years in Turin, the Italian might choose to take another break. With a year left on his contract at Juventus, he can afford to take time off and still benefit financially. However, modern soccer evolves rapidly, and a prolonged absence could mean falling behind the latest developments and trends in the game.
Despite his long-term goal and storied career in Italy, Allegri has never coached outside his homeland. This could be an opportunity to explore new challenges abroad. However, the elite European clubs that once courted him might no longer be available. He would likely need to consider less glamorous offers if he decided to go this route.
Last summer, he reportedly declined a lucrative offer from an unnamed Saudi Pro League club. The Saudis will make another aggressive push in the upcoming transfer window. Allegri might reconsider if similar offers arise. Some may consider this move a step back, but it could provide a temporary respite and a significant financial boost.
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