AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani admits they came close to appointing Zenit St Petersburg boss Luciano Spalletti ahead of Max Allegri.
Galliani says he has no regrets about hiring Allegri after revealing talks with Spalletti.
"There was a very secret meeting between myself and Spalletti at my house," Galliani said to Sky Sport 24 of the present Zenit boss.
"In order to not get recognised he wore a hat! Then destiny wanted things to go differently. When was this? I can't say "
While the timing of that meeting remains a mystery, Milan opted to hire Leonardo in 2009 and Allegri in 2010.
"The idea is always the same," continued Galliani. "The most important thing is that our Coaches get the team playing well.
"It happened with Arrigo Sacchi, Fabio Capello and Carlo Ancelotti.
"Allegri did this with Sassuolo and Cagliari, that was the biggest factor. We at Milan don't just think about winning, but convincing too with a tradition of good football."
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