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By: Oliver Fisher
The first open training session of the 2025 preseason took place on Monday evening for AC Milan, and there were some interesting signs.
It was a busy day for the new head coach Massimiliano Allegri, who firstly led the team in a morning session at Milanello. Once that was done, he travelled to Casa Milan for his unveiling press conference, speaking at length alongside Igli Tare about the plans for 2025-26 and beyond.
Then, he shuttled back to Milanello in order to be with the team for the second session of the day on the outdoor pitch. It had already been declared that this would be an open training meaning fans could be there, and there was largely a warm welcome.
The Curva Sud were absent from the raduno for the second straight year, but there were still some interesting signs that came from the evening training.
A chat before and a warm welcome
As the supporters waited outside the fence for the team to come out, a banner was unveiled that simple read: “Welcome back Max.” It would be fair to say the return of the coach 11 years after his first stint ended has reignited some enthusiasm after a dreadful 2024-25 campaign.
Also present was Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the Senior Advisor of RedBird Capital Partners, who stopped to talk with Allegri after greeting all the players.
The Livorno-born coach and the former Swedish striker won the 2010-11 Scudetto together, the 18th in the history of the Rossoneri. They had a fairly long conversation and a hug that was nostalgic, but also positive for the future.
Zlatan #Ibrahimovic a colloquio a Milanello con Massimiliano #Allegri. Presente tutta la dirigenza a bordo campo 
(via @AntoVitiello e @antonello_gioia) pic.twitter.com/aoqFFAn7wU
— MilanNews.it (@MilanNewsit) July 7, 2025
A hostile reception
According to what is being reported by MilanNews, there were two members of the current management that did not quite get the same positive reaction that others did.
The CEO Giorgio Furlani arrived by car at the training ground and he was booed by some Milan fans. Even though he has in theory ‘stepped aside’ a bit more, given the hiring of a new director in Tare, it showed where the sentiment of sections of the fan base is.
Then, Paolo Scaroni – the club’s president – also entered the scene at this moment and was similarly greeted by some boos from the supporters present.
Gabbia leads the way, new men sighted
Reports emerged on Friday that Matteo Gabbia was the first person to arrive at the training complex in Carnago, even beating Allegri by a few minutes.
As the players strolled out onto the lush outdoor pitch at Milanello, Gabbia was leading them again. It’s probably nothing, but it could also be something given Allegri wants to lean into Milanismo and the sense of belonging.
The players are out for the first open training session of preseason!
— SempreMilanTV (@SempreMilanTV) July 7, 2025
One of the key additions to the staff is Bernardo Corradi. The former Inter, Lazio and Manchester City striker left a position as Italy U20 national team coach to join back up with Allegri, and this is not something to be underestimated.
Corradi is a very highly rated coach, having worked his way up from Italy U16 in 2019 to Italy U20. To poach him from the FIGC can only be a good thing.
Welcome to the staff, Bernardo Corradi!
— SempreMilanTV (@SempreMilanTV) July 7, 2025
Speaking of new faces, Samuele Ricci got a run-out in front of the Milanisti for the first time. His signing was made official on Friday and he has taken the number four shirt.
The new man, Samuele Ricci
— SempreMilanTV (@SempreMilanTV) July 7, 2025
Individual chats and a huddle
What was interesting to note was that Allegri was not frightened to pull certain players to one side during the session, presumably for some words of advice and/or some encouragement.
He grabbed Alex Jimenez, a player that will have an interesting role in the season to come. With the switch to a 3-4-3 under Sergio Conceicao he was the starting wing-back, but presuming Allegri goes with a flat back four, it remains to be seen whether the Spaniard will be used as a full-back or winger.
A chat between Allegri and Jimenez
— SempreMilanTV (@SempreMilanTV) July 7, 2025
Strahinja Pavlovic falls into the category of a player with an intriguing fate. He was not an established starter in the first part of last season but, just like Jimenez, the change to three-at-the-back helped him cement a spot. Will he be part of the first choice centre-back pairing?
Le prime indicazioni di Max Allegri a #Pavlovic 
! Sarà lui il centrale difensivo titolare del #Milan? pic.twitter.com/rryQotpKK3
— Luca Maninetti (@LucaManinetti) July 7, 2025
One of the heart-warming bits to see was Rafael Leao chatting with Max and having a chuckle. Given that the coach wants to take him to the next level – as confirmed in his presser today – the fact that they have instantly struck up a positive relationship seems like a good sign.
Any ideas what Allegri said to make Leao chuckle?
— SempreMilanTV (@SempreMilanTV) July 7, 2025
Finally, we end with the huddle that the new coach called everyone in for. Togetherness and unity has been one of the key messages preached (and by Allegri himself) given how fragmented and disjointed everything felt last season. Let’s hope that all these good indications manifest into an excellent season.
Allegri gathers the troops for a chat
— SempreMilanTV (@SempreMilanTV) July 7, 2025
The post Individual chats, laughs, boos and new faces: The signs from day one of AC Milan’s preseason appeared first on SempreMilan.
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