Juventus reappoint Allegri as manager after sacking Pirlo

Juventus reappointed former tactician Massimiliano Allegri after firing Andrea Pirlo, the club announced Friday.

The returning manager will reportedly earn €9 million per season, according to Sky Sport Italia's Ghilda Pensante.

"Allegri finds a bench that he knows very well, a club that he loves and that loves him back, as today a new journey begins together, toward new goals," the club said.

Juve finished fourth and were dethroned as Serie A champions during Pirlo's rookie season behind the bench. Although he captured the Coppa Italia and Italian Super Cup, that wasn't enough to save his job after an inconsistent campaign in which the team often looked disjointed and unenthused.

Allegri, who previously left the club in 2019, enjoyed a trophy-laden first stint in Turin. The 53-year-old guided the Bianconeri to five consecutive league titles, four Coppa Italia triumphs, and two Super Cup wins. He also reached the Champions League final on two occasions, although Juve lost to Barcelona and Real Madrid, respectively.

Juventus moved quickly to secure Allegri's services after Madrid and rivals Inter Milan showed interest, per Pensante. Both clubs are looking for new coaches after the respective departures of Zinedine Zidane and Antonio Conte.

Allegri will be the third different coach in as many seasons for the Bianconeri, who appointed Pirlo after sacking Maurizio Sarri.

Allegri takes over a talented squad, but he'll have several key personnel decisions to navigate heading into the transfer window, with Cristiano Ronaldo's future chief among them.