A Unique Connection Forged in Turin
Some relationships transcend mere professional roles. The bond between Massimiliano Allegri and Adrien Rabiot is truly unique. Have you ever heard a footballer refer to their coach as “dad”? While Rabiot hasn`t gone that far, he`s come close. Back in Marseille, Giovanni Rossi—the club manager who worked alongside Allegri at Sassuolo—would sometimes hand the phone to Rabiot, saying, “Your dad`s on the line.” Adrien would eagerly answer, and together they`d discuss everything from football to life, much like a son far from home finding comfort in his father`s voice.
This Sunday, as the two face Juventus, memories will undoubtedly flood back. Four years ago, they met for the first time in Turin, and something clicked. Their connection is a story of praise, laughter, and pats on the back. On one side, a 58-year-old from Livorno; on the other, a 30-year-old Parisian who grew up in the banlieues. For both, the match against Juventus will be a return to their origins.
Rabiot and Allegri at Milanello.
Mutual Admiration and a Fated Encounter
Some relationships take decades to solidify, but for Rabiot and Allegri, a single glance was enough. Their story began in the summer of 2019: the French midfielder arrived in Turin on a free transfer, driven by the desire to play under one of Italy`s most successful coaches. However, fate intervened, and Allegri left Juventus after five years.
Rabiot`s spark didn`t ignite under Maurizio Sarri, though things improved with Andrea Pirlo (5 goals and 4 assists by season`s end). Then came 2021, the year Max Allegri returned to the Bianconeri. Rabiot himself later revealed, “Two years ago, I signed partly because I knew he was on the bench.” The two finally connected, and since then, they`ve consistently exchanged words of appreciation. Allegri often praises Rabiot: “Rabiot has a different engine than others,” and “He has at least ten goals in his legs; in the interception phase, he is unique.” Max also doesn`t shy away from constructive criticism, pushing Rabiot beyond his limits: “Sometimes he gets near the area and doesn`t shoot. He needs to improve, but he`s grown in possession and become important, extraordinary.” Rabiot, for his part, has always been more direct: “Max is a winner,” or simply, “He trusts me.”
Allegri and Rabiot during their time with Juventus.
The Refusal of Manchester United: A Turning Point
Their first season together (2021-22) was like a courtship: they got to know each other, with highs and lows, laying the groundwork for a solid future. Rabiot ended that season without scoring, facing some discontent from fans. The role of a wide midfielder in a 4-4-2 wasn`t his natural fit, but Allegri considered him indispensable for the team`s balance.
The turning point arrived in their second year. In the summer of 2022, Rabiot was nearing the end of his contract, and Manchester United expressed strong interest. Allegri played a crucial role in the negotiations, speaking to Rabiot personally: “I spoke to him before the possible transfer; I told him I respect him and consider him a great player with significant room for improvement.” Rabiot trusted Allegri and made the right choice, rejecting England to prove himself again.
Juventus started the season inconsistently, leading to widespread #Allegriout sentiments on social media after a home draw with Salernitana in September. Allegri, frustrated, commented: “This team was conceived differently.” Yet, he seized the opportunity to highlight Rabiot`s absence due to injury: “I miss Rabiot a lot today. Many criticize him, but Adrien does 13-14 good things per game and always impacts the field with his technique and physique.” This moment solidified their special bond.
The Workhorse: Rabiot`s Breakthrough
Rabiot took Allegri`s words to heart, and it clicked. The 2022-23 season saw him achieve his best career performance, scoring 11 goals and providing 6 assists in 48 matches as a central midfielder, finding the net against Inter, Fiorentina, and in both the Champions League and Europa League. That December, he flew to Qatar for the World Cup, emphasizing his coach`s value: “He is very important to me; he helps me improve my game. He`s the one who pushes me to attack. He often repeats that I`m a player who can score many goals and be decisive.”
By April 2023, as Juventus lost 1-0 at home to eventual champions Napoli, Allegri had fielded his 98th different lineup in 98 matches since returning to Turin. Rabiot, however, was a constant: the workhorse with 6,736 minutes played, making him the most utilized player. The whistles at the Stadium had been replaced by applause. In June, Juventus renewed his contract for a year, and in October 2023, during a 1-0 victory over AC Milan, Rabiot wore the captain`s armband for the first time. Allegri stated, “When Alex Sandro doesn`t play, it will be Adrien`s turn because it`s right that he moves up in the hierarchy.” Together, they celebrated a Coppa Italia triumph at the end of the year. Allegri was controversially dismissed shortly after his post-victory outburst, and Rabiot bid him farewell with an Instagram post: “You will be remembered as one of the most successful coaches in Juventus history. You deserved a different goodbye, thank you for everything, coach.”
Irreplaceable at AC Milan
After a year apart (2024-25 season), Allegri and Rabiot have reunited at AC Milan. Their calls, messages, and video calls never ceased. It goes without saying that the coach strongly desired Rabiot, insisting on his signing to the club. Their first meeting at Milanello was filled with warmth: Max walked in and exclaimed, “Vagabond, how are we doing?” The two embraced with smiles, and Allegri then asked if Rabiot had found a home in Milan. Adrien nodded.
Since his arrival, Rabiot hasn`t missed a single minute of play, not even in the Coppa Italia against Lecce. On the field, they understand each other instantly, laughing and knowing exactly what the other needs. Allegri saw in Rabiot what many others struggled to perceive, much like a parent recognizing a cultivation-worthy strength in their child`s character. Rabiot has learned, transforming whistles into applause and evolving into a double-digit goal-scoring midfielder. The time to officially call Allegri “dad” may still be ahead, but their bond remains stronger than ever.
