Cassano: ‘Allegri destroyed Milan’ & claims ‘Conte is the perfect way to restart’

Antonio Cassano has launched a scathing attack on Massimiliano Allegri and Igli Tare, holding the pair solely responsible for AC Milan’s troubled season, while identifying Antonio Conte as the ideal candidate to lead the club’s rebuild this summer.

Speaking on his Viva El Futbol show, with quotes via CalcioMercato, the former Milan and Italy striker was characteristically unsparing in his assessment of a campaign that has left the Rossoneri fighting to secure Champions League qualification with the season drawing to a close.

On Conte, Cassano was enthusiastic.

“Conte last year performed a miracle at Napoli, but after two years he does not stay at the same club, it is difficult,” he said.

“For me he has to go. Where? To Milan. He would be the first coach to win four Scudetti with four different clubs. If Milan want to do things properly, Conte is perfect. Unlike Allegri, he sells himself through the pitch and does not care about the press. He lets the football do the talking. Conte is one of the few coaches who, if he becomes available, can go wherever he wants. There are only three or four like him.”

On Allegri and Tare, the gloves came off entirely. “Allegri this year has destroyed Milan,” Cassano said.

“The blame, beyond Allegri who has been a disaster, also belongs to Tare, who arrived like the saviour of the nation. And you know what he saved? Nothing. I saw the ‘Furlani out’ banner and I ask myself: if you have no ideas, if you play badly and get the transfer window wrong, what is Furlani’s fault?

“I was one of the first to criticise the board, but Furlani does not pick the squad,the squad was chosen by the coach with Tare. Does Furlani miss the goals? No. Does he have no ideas? No. Does he not make them run? No. The disaster was made by Allegri and Tare. Full stop, without ifs or buts.”

Cassano’s defence of Furlani is notable given the widespread frustration directed at Milan’s CEO from supporters this season.

His argument that tactical and recruitment failures fall squarely on the coach and sporting director rather than the boardroom reflects a view gaining traction in some quarters, even if the broader picture at the club, including the reported breakdown between Allegri and Ibrahimovic, suggests the problems run deeper than any one individual.