Chelsea's quest for a new manager could lead them to Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri, as they seek a permanent replacement for Jose Mourinho.
Allegri has done a stellar job with the Bianconeri since succeeding Antonio Conte, retaining the Scudetto, capturing the Coppa Italia and leading the side to the Champions League final - having seen them struggle on Europe's grandest stage under his predecessor.
However, Allegri could join Pep Guardiola in heading to the Premier League this summer.
“For me, it would make no sense staying in Italy. Like I said, I think he will leave Juventus and I can see him doing very well in England," declared his mentor, Giovanni Galeone this past week.
But just who is the man known as the Anchovy? And what could he bring to Stamford Bridge? Sheridan Bird takes a look:
Achievements
You probably know that Allegri led Juventus to the Scudetto, Coppa Italia and Champions League final last season. You may be aware he won the league with AC Milan in 2010/11, their last title.
Allegri’s Sassuolo were Serie C1 champions in 2007/08 and he guided unfancied, chaotic Calgiari to an incredible 9th place finish in Serie A in 2008/09.
But to many observers the slim Italian’s finest moment was inspiring a savagely-depleted Milan to third place in 2013. The previous summer the Rossoneri sold or released a generation of world class talent (and Mark van Bommel).
Alessandro Nesta, Thiago Silva, Gianluca Zambrotta, Gennaro Gattuso, Filippo Inzaghi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Antonio Cassano, Clarence Seedorf and Van Bommel walked out of the red and black door.
Some coaches would have followed them in a rage. Not Allegri. He’s a calm, lucid and attentive man and has unshakable faith in himself.
Style/formation
The Livorno-born boss is very flexible. When Allegri took his coaching exams his thesis extolled the virtues of the 4-3-1-2. But he’s never been wedded to one system. The 48-year-old evolves.
Gianluca Zambrotta was part of the Milan team which lifted the 2011 scudetto. “Tactically there has never been any question about Allegri’s ability.”
The Tuscan has deployed many formations, including 4-3-3, and 3-5-2 and the aforementioned 4-3-1-2. But he chooses the shape to fit the players. And he is highly active during games, working on zones.
Italian journalist and broadcaster Ricky Buscaglia says, “If Allegri notices there is a lot of space in an area, or a weak player in the opposition, he overloads that zone.
“He isn’t afraid to send two or even three players to work closely together in that part of the pitch. As a result, his teams are often asymmetrical,” says Buscaglia.
The man known as the Anchovy for his slender build, likes skillful players. A gifted but lazy attacking midfielder in his playing days, Allegri values footballers, not just athletes.
He wants people who are comfortable on the ball and have good technique. Sure, they have to run and be fit, but Allegri’s main principle is to keep the ball moving. At all times.
Transfers
Roman Abramovich’s accountants and Max’s former clubs can relax. Allegri has never been one to stomp into a new place, smash the boardroom doors open and demand costly signings.
This guy doesn’t tell the president “I want X, Y and Z. At all costs!” and then get stroppy when they don’t arrive. Allegri operates with what he has got.
The manner in which he shrugged off the departures of Arturo Vidal, Carlos Tevez and Andrea Pirlo last summer showed his laid-back attitude to squad upheaval.
In a very matter-of-fact way he got on with the job, found a few systems and then went on a 14 match winning streak (a Juventus record). No fuss.
And he doesn’t raid old sides looking for signings. Should he go to Chelsea, Milan and Juve won’t have sleepless nights.
Youngsters
A Max-makeover at the Bridge would benefit the younger players. Allegri is a tough task-master but gets the best out of junior members of the squad.
It is not a coincidence that Stephan El Shaarawy and Mario Balotelli had their best seasons so far under Allegri.
Paulo Dybala, 22, is enjoying a tremendous campaign with Juve, with 13 goals.
The way Allegri gave Stefano Sturaro a Champions League debut against Real Madrid aged 22, and the midfielder’s positive response, is further evidence of the low-key coach’s prudent handling of youth.
READ MORE: What could Jose Mourinho's Man United team look like?
