ROME — The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has reached an agreement with legendary former midfielder Andrea Pirlo to become the new head coach of the Italy national team on a four-year contract, according to a report by Italian daily La Repubblica on Friday. The 47-year-old tactical icon, who won the 2006 World Cup with the Azzurri and formerly managed Juventus during the 2020–21 season, is currently managing Dubai United in the UAE First Division League. Pirlo steps into the high-pressure role following the resignation of Gennaro Gattuso in April, who stepped down after the four-time world champions suffered a historic crisis by failing to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup tournament.
The breakthrough agreement with Pirlo materialized just hours after world-renowned manager Pep Guardiola officially rejected an ambitious pursuit from the FIGC. The 55-year-old Spaniard, who departed Manchester City at the end of last season following a dominant decade featuring six Premier League titles, had held financial flexibility discussions with FIGC President Giovanni Malago. The federation also reportedly sounded out Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti before finalizing terms with Pirlo. The incoming manager is now tasked with leading a comprehensive overhaul of Italian football, beginning with a vital restructuring of the country’s declining youth development and talent pathway systems.
