The Corriere della Sera reported the definitive nature of Allegri's decision, citing a relationship with Ibrahimović that is now described as completely non-existent.
The 58-year-old coach from Livorno has not spoken to the former Sweden striker since early April, when a dispute over the selection of next season's third-choice goalkeeper became the trigger for a stunning rupture that had been building for months.
Multiple incidents compounded the breakdown: Ibrahimović had not visited AC Milan's Milanello training ground or the San Siro dressing room in over three months; Allegri discovered that Ibrahimović had been in regular contact with prominent Milan critic and former striker Antonio Cassano through his Twitch streaming activities; and most critically, Ibrahimović had been calling players directly — including Youssouf Fofana and Rafael Leão — to offer tactical advice that contradicted what the coaching staff had been instructing in training.
In January, Allegri had requested reinforcements. The club denied them, citing budget constraints. Shortly afterwards, €30 million was made available to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta — a decision Allegri was not consulted on, which left him feeling undermined from multiple directions simultaneously.
Milan are level on points with Roma in fourth, with two games remaining, fighting to avoid a second consecutive Champions League absence that would devastate the club's finances. The outcome will not change Allegri's decision.
He is the frontrunner to become Italy's next national team manager. Gennaro Gattuso's contract expires after the World Cup, which Italy failed to qualify for, and the FIGC is expected to conduct a managerial change regardless of whether he remains in his role until then.
Allegri's record — five consecutive Serie A titles with Juventus between 2015 and 2019 — and his free agent status from late June make him the most convenient and credible option for those running Italian football.