Massimiliano Allegri quickly accepted the advances of Napoli, though he has not yet fully cut ties with AC Milan yet.
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La Gazzetta dello Sport report that the final steps for Allegri to join Napoli are now strictly bureaucratic. In other words, in practical terms, he hasn’t yet signed the contract that will bind him to the Azzurri, partly because not all the steps regarding his departure have been finalised.
It’s a matter of technical timing, but not only that. In the last few hours, there have been some alarming rumours about his separation from Milan. The deal, however, is not at risk and will go through.
Why the hold-up?
What happened? Allegri only received the club’s official email (PEC) yesterday, signed by president Paolo Scaroni, informing him of his dismissal. Since this is a dismissal and not a termination, he would therefore remain on Milan’s payroll until June 2027, the natural expiration of his contract.
Milan are helped by a provision in the contract that allows them to deduct from the salary they would owe him whatever Allegri will earn from his new club.
In practical terms, at Milan he got €5m net per season (which would have risen to €6m in the event of a Champions League qualification), while Napoli offered him €4.5m (plus bonuses). This means an outlay of just €500,000 for the Rossoneri, i.e. they pay the difference.
It’s clear that, in this context, they’re happy at Casa Milan. At the same time it can’t be ruled out that Allegri has asked for a severance package. Regardless of the amount potentially at stake, Cardinale doesn’t appear willing to open his wallet.
Indeed, those close to the coach are making it clear that the situation isn’t entirely straightforward. Could there be a potential tug-of-war? That can’t be ruled out. The process could therefore be extended, while in the meantime Max is targeting further strikes on Milan.