Allegri Eyes Long Milan Stay As Italy Links Surface

Massimiliano Allegri states that AC Milan remains the priority, even as reports in Italy link Allegri with the national team role. Italy are without a head coach after Gennaro Gattuso left on Friday, following another World Cup qualification failure that confirmed a historic third straight absence from the tournament for the four-time champions.

Italy lost their play-off final against Bosnia-Herzegovina on penalties in Zenica on Tuesday, drawing 1-1 before Francesco Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante failed from the spot. That defeat means the Azzurri become the first former world champions to miss three consecutive World Cups, after previously missing only two of the first 20 editions.

Allegri explains that thoughts about the national side can wait while Milan chase domestic targets in Serie A. Milan are competing for the Scudetto in Allegri’s first season back in charge of the Rossoneri, and the club also set a clear objective at the start of the campaign regarding European qualification.

Asked on Saturday about replacing Gattuso before Milan face Napoli on Monday, Allegri gave a firm response about present priorities. Allegri said: "I haven't thought about it yet, I am at Milan, I am happy here, and I hope to be here for a long time. We started with the objective of qualifying for the Champions League, which is a fascinating tournament that I have not participated in for a while. I'd like to participate in it with Milan."

While Allegri underlines loyalty to Milan, there is also a wider reflection on why Italy keep missing major tournaments. Allegri points to deeper causes behind the World Cup disappointment and stresses that the issues are structural, involving many levels of Italian football rather than one position on the bench.

Allegri said: "The national team's problem is not just about the coach; the entire system needs to find solutions. It is not all to be thrown away, because even when things are going badly, there is always something you can build on." That assessment echoes long-running debates about youth development and domestic structures.

Leadership changes continue around the Italy job, with several senior figures leaving their posts after the Bosnia-Herzegovina defeat. Along with Gattuso’s exit, Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina resigned, and head of delegation Gianluigi Buffon also stepped down, increasing the scale of the rebuild required at institutional level.

Allegri recognises the emotional impact of another missed tournament but calls for a thoughtful response. Allegri added: "I am sad about the World Cup, but I think everyone should take this as an opportunity to grow. There are those whose jobs it is to get together, examine the rules, see what can be done, from the very foundations of academies to the first team."

To organise that recovery, Allegri believes Italian football needs patience and collective planning rather than quick fixes around the Italy job. Allegri said: "I don't think it can all be sorted out in 10 minutes. We need time to create a united front of ideas so we can be in the best condition to reach the World Cup in 2030."

Allegri continues to back the current generation of Italian players and repeats that coaching changes alone will not solve every concern. Allegri said: "We do have good players in Italy, and I think the future is in good hands. I repeat, it is not about the coach, there are many things to be examined before 2030."

Despite Allegri’s insistence on his Milan role, questions keep returning to whether Allegri might accept the Italy job later. When pressed again about that scenario, Allegri offered a brief reflection on future possibilities, saying: "Life is unpredictable, you never know what could happen."

That uncertainty around the Italy job comes as the federation works on a long-term roadmap to 2030, while Milan focus on present trophies. Allegri’s stance leaves options open, yet clearly places club duties first while Italian football leaders study reforms, coaching appointments and structural changes after this latest World Cup setback.

{TABLE_1}