AC Milan will be without Max Allegri on the bench for the start of the 2025-26 season, as the manager serves a two-game ban in the competition. The Rossoneri are set to open the campaign against Bari at San Siro, with Marco Landucci anticipated to take charge on the sidelines.
The suspension stems from Allegri’s actions after Juventus’ Coppa Italia final win against Atalanta last year. During the closing stages, Allegri urged a free-kick that the referee, Fabio Maresca, did not award. He confronted the fourth official, Maurizio Mariani, with strong words before storming off. Maresca then sent Allegri off with a red card, prompting the Juve boss to return to Mariani, tear off his tie, unbutton his shirt and shout “where is Rocchi?”—a now-iconic moment among calcio fans, referencing the head of the referees’ association. Allegri later spoke to the media in a calmer tone, but the episode still carries consequences as he sits out tomorrow’s match and the following game.
Additional context and outlook:
– Milan’s season opener versus Bari at San Siro provides Landucci with the early test of what the squad can do under interim leadership, as Allegri’s absence will keep him out of the dugout in the first two competitive fixtures.
– The incident that sparked the suspension remains a notable example of how high emotions can lead to disciplinary action in Italian football, underscoring the importance of on-pitch conduct for managers as well as players.
– With Allegri unavailable, Milan will rely on Landucci and the rest of the coaching staff to set the tone early in the campaign, while fans will watch to see how Milan begin the new season under interim leadership.
If you’d like, I can add a concise season preview for Milan and Bari, highlighting key players to watch and tactical themes for tomorrow’s game.