Sacked Allegri in demand

Cagliari are refusing to discuss why Massimiliano Allegri was fired, but he’s now free to consider offers from Juventus, Fiorentina, Milan and more.

Last night the Sardinians caused shockwaves when they sacked their Coach and handed the reins to Primavera youth team boss Giorgio Melis and former player Gianluca Festa.

President Massimo Cellino is not speaking to the media and won’t return from Miami until Friday, while the club has now imposed a Press silence over players and staff.

It is widely reported the reason behind this sudden split was Allegri’s refusal to sign a contract extension, as he has been of interest to several top sides.

Although the 43-year-old’s deal does not expire until 2011, it’s unlikely Cagliari will try to block his passage to another club in the summer.

Fiorentina were looking at Allegri as a replacement should Cesare Prandelli opt to move on for Juventus or the Italy bench.

However, he was also challenging Prandelli for that job at Juve along with Rafa Benitez of Liverpool.

Rumours that Milan are set to part company with Leonardo are increasingly common and Allegri would represent a similar push towards young, relatively inexperienced Coaches.

In fact, he had been among the favourites for San Siro last season when Carlo Ancelotti left for Chelsea, as his entertaining approach to football is a favourite of President Silvio Berlusconi.

Sampdoria are more contenders after Gigi Del Neri hinted he was unsure about his future with the Blucerchiati.

Del Neri is currently in joint fourth place, but his contract expires in the summer.
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