What Allegri Will Do Differently After Berlusconi, Galliani Back Manager

Massimiliano Allegri was given a vote of confidence after weeks of rumours, with the AC Milan manager backed by the club's owner Silvio Berlusconi and vice-president Adriano Galliani after intense discussions which resulted in the former Cagliari coach being maintained for another season.

After Milan's two best players—Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva—were sold last summer, it was almost impossible to replicate the recent results that were achieved at the San Siro, but Allegri managed to appease the realistic and rational Milan fans.

With a top three finish, giving Barcelona a scare in the Champions League and securing the huge signing of Mario Balotelli in January, there were actually plenty of positives to be taken after a dismal start.

So what exactly does Berlusconi desire from his manager moving forward?

It is well known that the former Italian Prime Minister craves the beautiful game, and while Milan were hardly drab, there was certainly a lot left to be desired. Although they shocked Barcelona in the Champions League, the manner was widely criticised by the purists.

So the principle targets will remain, at least, a place in the top three—signalling qualification to the Champions League once more. If you consider that Napoli have lost their manager, Walter Mazzarri, and will probably sell their star striker Edinson Cavani too, the Rossoneri will fancy their chances of usurping the Partenopei into second place.

So that is a tangible target for Allegri, and while the scudetto is not out of the question, it is probably a step too far at this stage of Milan's evolution, meaning Allegri is likely to not be expected to deliver the title next season.

However, a gap of 15 points between the Diavoli and Juventus is not acceptable, and that margin will need to be lessened to at least give the impression that Milan are close to recapturing the title.

Outside of the targets that can be measured at the end of the season, Berlusconi will surely demand more panache to Milan's game, especially if a string of talented players are recruited this summer to aid Allegri's bid to appease the demanding owner.

It feels like Allegri is too stubborn to drastically alter his tactics in terms of his go-to formation. The 4-3-3 will be a common occurrence for Milan once more, which is more than capable of appeasing the fans, especially with two outstanding young talents in Balotelli and Stephan El Shaarawy to build the attack around.

Kevin-Prince Boateng offers athleticism and energy, but there is a lack of guile to occupy that role between the lines right now, and it feels as if Riccardo Montolivo's influence would be diminished if he is pushed forward into a similar role that he performs for the Azzurri.

So acquiring a creative midfielder is paramount to Allegri's attempts to build upon the transition season that has just gone, and with Galliani signalling the club's intent by releasing funds for Super Mario in January, there is a quiet optimism developing at the San Siro.

The defence was shaky through the campaign, too, unlike the prior season. This was understandable after Thiago's departure, but the back four still performed under expectations.

The gradual improvement of Philippe Mexes and the growing confidence of Cristian Zapata—after returning to Italian football—are promising. A new centre-back is still required, though.

The full-backs are adequate for the time being, too, with Ignazio Abate and the very promising Mattia De Sciglio excelling on either side of the pitch.

Christian Abbiati is not seen as the the club's goalkeeper for much longer, but the 35-year-old has a decent pair of hands. Finding a significant upgrade will be tricky, especially when Milan want to put the majority of their budget towards strengthening other positions.

So while Allegri might not have signed a new contract—suggesting that all that Berlusconi and Galliani did was provide the manager with another year to prove himself—the future is not as bleak as it once appeared, especially when Milan take a look at the mess that their city rivals Inter are going through currently.

Allegri might not inspire, but given the tools, he can maximise the potential of the squad provided to him. With a lack of alternatives currently available and the inevitable improvement of their rivals, to risk not qualifying for the Champions League by changing managers is certainly unwise.

A reasonable expectation of Allegri is to safely negotiate a place in the top three and to further enhance the reputations of some of Milan's most promising young players, which is ultimately a good return for the time being.