Allegri vows to restore AC Milan's luster, bets on Modric

SINGAPORE — Massimiliano Allegri vowed Monday to rekindle AC Milan's former glory, as he returns to the faltering Italian giant for a second spell as manager.

The Rossoneri turned to serial winner Allegri after the club slumped to its worst league finish in a decade — leading to Sergio Conceicao's axing after five miserable months in charge.

"The goal for this season is to return to the Champions League, as a club like AC Milan has to play in Europe," Allegri told reporters in Singapore, where his team will face Arsenal on Wednesday in a preseason friendly.