Andrea Pirlo Agrees to Become Italy Head Coach

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has reached an agreement in principle with former national midfielder Andrea Pirlo to become the new head coach of the national team on a four-year contract, according to Italian media reports on Friday.

The 47-year-old World Cup winner will take over the Azzurri following the resignation of Gennaro Gattuso in April after Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup finals. Pirlo currently manages Dubai United in the UAE First Division. He previously coached Juventus during the 2020–21 season with leading them to victory in both the Coppa Italia and the Italian Super Cup.

The agreement materialized hours after former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola turned down an approach from Italian football officials.

Despite high-level discussions regarding a long-term project to revitalize Italian football also the 55-year-old Spaniard opted to maintain his planned sabbatical following a decade-long tenure at Manchester City. The FIGC had also explored an approach for Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti before focusing on Pirlo.

Italian football is attempting a major overhaul of its national team structure, talent pathway and youth development system after years of international disappointment. Subject to final contractual formalities Pirlo will be tasked with leading the national side through Euro 2028 and qualification for the 2030 World Cup.