Pirlo Says Yes After Guardiola, Ancelotti Snubs
Andrea Pirlo has verbally accepted Italy’s proposal and is set to become the Azzurri’s new head coach. Fabrizio Romano confirmed the news, reporting Pirlo said yes to the long-term project pitched by technical director Paolo Maldini and advisor Leonardo. Formal steps remain, but a signature looks imminent within days.
His appointment arrives after the FIGC struck out twice already. Maldini and Leonardo first approached Carlo Ancelotti before turning to Pep Guardiola, only for both managers to decline. Guardiola’s rejection stemmed from wanting family time following his decade at Manchester City, not financial disagreements.
Pirlo’s ties to the federation’s decision-makers run deep. He shares a close bond with both Maldini and Leonardo from their AC Milan playing days, and he considers Ancelotti something of a mentor too. That personal connection ultimately tipped the scales in his favor, despite a mixed managerial record so far.
His coaching résumé includes a solitary strong season at Juventus, where he won the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana in 2020-21. Since then, stints with Turkish side Fatih Karagümrük and Serie B club Sampdoria brought little further success. Currently, he manages Dubai United in the UAE First Division.
Rebuilding After a Painful Absence
Pirlo inherits a squad still reeling from missing the 2026 World Cup entirely. Italy’s playoff exit against Bosnia and Herzegovina extended a difficult stretch for the four-time world champions, leaving Gennaro Gattuso’s successor with plenty of rebuilding to tackle immediately.
His contract is expected to run through the 2030 World Cup, giving him a genuine long-term mandate rather than a short fix. Italy’s next fixture comes September 25 against Belgium in the Nations League, offering an early opportunity to set his tactical stamp.
Whether Pirlo can translate his playing pedigree into national team success remains the open question. For more coaching and transfer news across Europe, visit the KCPredict blog. Further reporting on the appointment is available via Yahoo Sports.