Italy’s search for a new national team coach continues to generate debate, with Andrea Pirlo emerging as a divisive candidate despite the Italian Football Federation’s efforts to usher in a new era.
Following the widely welcomed appointments of Giovanni Malagò as FIGC president and Paolo Maldini as technical director, attention has now turned to the vacant head coach position. While Malagò, Maldini and advisor Leonardo are reportedly moving quickly to meet Pirlo, the prospect of the former midfielder taking charge has split opinion among football officials, supporters and the Italian media.
According to reports, several Serie A clubs had favoured Antonio Conte as the ideal successor following the departures of Gennaro Gattuso and interim coach Daniele Baldini. Many believe Pirlo would represent a significant gamble as Italy attempts to rebuild after failing to qualify for three consecutive FIFA World Cups.
Malagò is also believed to hold Roberto Mancini in high regard, with the pair sharing a long-standing friendship, adding another layer of uncertainty to the selection process.
Despite differing opinions, the FIGC is determined to finalise the appointment of a new coach by early next week, with the successful candidate expected to be officially presented during a meeting with Serie A clubs on 23 July. Reports have also suggested former Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon could return to the national team setup in a management role.
Public opinion appears to favour more experienced alternatives. In a SportMediaset poll involving more than 30,000 participants, Pirlo received just two per cent of the vote, making him the least popular of the six reported candidates. Pep Guardiola topped the poll with 45 per cent, followed by Carlo Ancelotti on 28 per cent, Antonio Conte with 15 per cent, while Roberto Mancini and Stefano Pioli each received five per cent.
Several leading Italian journalists have also questioned Pirlo’s suitability for the role. Writing in Corriere della Sera, Fabrizio Roncone argued that Italy requires a coach with a stronger managerial record, insisting Pirlo’s achievements as a player should not automatically qualify him for one of the country’s most demanding jobs.
Roncone acknowledged Pirlo’s outstanding playing career but maintained that his coaching résumé, which includes spells at Juventus, clubs in Turkey and Sampdoria before his recent promotion campaign with United FC Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, does not justify such a high-profile appointment. He also suggested financial considerations may be influencing the federation’s thinking.
A similar view was expressed by Gazzetta dello Sport deputy editor Stefano Agresti, who described Conte as the ideal candidate for the position. While praising Pirlo’s achievements as both a player and person, Agresti argued that his managerial career has yet to produce results capable of inspiring confidence at international level.
He pointed to Pirlo’s mixed coaching record despite winning two domestic trophies with Juventus and stressed that Conte remained the preferred choice of many within Serie A because of his proven ability to rebuild teams and deliver immediate success.
Should Pirlo ultimately be appointed, many observers have pledged to support him, but reports suggest he would begin his tenure facing considerable scrutiny and a divided footballing environment as Italy looks to restore its status on the international stage.
