Allegri replaces Conte at Juventus
Former AC Milan coach takes over Juventus as Conte looks set for Azzurri job
Massimiliano Allegri was appointed as the new coach of Serie A champions Juventus, less than 24 hours after Antonio Conte quit the post.
Allegri has been out of work since his sacking by AC Milan in January.
The 47-year-old won the title in his first season (2010/2011) in charge.
Milan finished runners-up the following campaign, before the club's fortunes dipped.
According to Italian media reports, Allegri has signed a two-year deal worth 2.5 million euros ($4.2m) a season.
The club, announcing his appointment, said that Allegri would be unveiled as their new boss at a press conference yesterday, alongside Juventus sporting director Giuseppe Marotta.
Conte, who left Juve after guiding the club to a third consecutive title, is tipped to succeed Cesare Prandelli as the national-team coach.
Prandelli stood down after Italy's first-round exit at the World Cup.
The 44-year-old Conte's shock announcement to quit Juve came in a video posted on the club's official website.
Dressed in a black-and-white striped Juventus shirt, Conte told the website that he felt time had caught up with him at the club and that the time was right to go.
"I have decided to terminate my contract with Juventus," he said.
"I have matured with time and my feelings led me to make this choice. It may be more difficult to keep winning with Juventus.
"An enormous 'thank you' for what you have given to me as a player and as a coach.
"I have always been close to you. I want to say that the journey taken in recent years has been historic."
GREAT LEADER
The feeling was reciprocated by club chairman Andrea Agnelli, who wrote on the club's website: "Dear Antonio, you have been a great leader and this news saddens me greatly.
"Three years together have led us to write history with three consecutive titles and two Italian Cups.
"Antonio, thank you for everything."
Conte's departure was unexpected, although he had hinted that he could quit the Serie A giants if they failed to invest in players during the summer break, ahead of a fresh assault on the Champions League.
After winning the title, Conte, speaking in the third person, said: "If Antonio decides to take another path, then he will do so with the greatest respect for the club and the players."
Conte's time in charge of Juve had not been without its controversial moments as, in the summer of 2013, he was caught up in a corruption row after he was charged with failing to report attempted match-fixing during his time with his previous club Siena.
He protested his innocence but was banned for 10 months, reduced on appeal to a four-month touchline ban, which saw him miss the first half of last season.
Conte, who captained the club during his playing career which stretched over more than 500 games and included five league titles, also led Juve to a record points haul of 102 points as they won their 30th official league title last season. - Wire Services.
We’ll compete for the title all the way. As for Europe, we need to have a great run in the Champions League.
— Massimiliano Allegri, on replacing Antonio Conte
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