Allegri's return a chance for a Milan 'restart': Baresi

After recording their worst league finish in 10 seasons, AC Milan are in dire need of a restart, one that is set to begin in Singapore.

- David Lee

The Rossoneri, who sacked coach Sergio Conceicao after missing out on European football next term with an eighth-placed league finish in the recently concluded season, will have a familiar face at the helm when they embark on their pre-season tour in the Republic in July.

Veteran coach Massimiliano Allegri, 57, has returned to the club and the Italian's first assignment will be a friendly against Arsenal at the National Stadium on July 23.

It is part of the Singapore Festival of Football, which will also feature a friendly between Arsenal and Newcastle United at the same venue on July 27.

The return of Allegri, who guided the Rossoneri to the Serie A title in 2011 before winning the league and Coppa Italia five times apiece and reaching the Champions League final twice with Juventus, has sparked optimism among the Milan faithful, including legend Franco Baresi.

In a phone interview with Singapore media on June 4, the former defender told The Straits Times that the Festival of Football will be "a great opportunity to restart with great enthusiasm" for Milan.