Andrea Pirlo is set to become Italy’s new national team manager after reaching an agreement on a four-year contract with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), according to reports from La Repubblica.
The former Italy midfielder is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation. He won the 2006 FIFA World Cup with Italy and enjoyed a successful club career with Inter Milan, AC Milan and Juventus.
The 47-year-old is currently the head coach of United FC in the UAE First Division League. He previously managed Juventus during the 2020/21 season, winning both the Coppa Italia and the Italian Super Cup.
The reported deal comes after Pep Guardiola turned down the chance to take charge of Italy. According to Reuters, the former Manchester City and Barcelona manager rejected the offer and has decided to continue his break from football.
The FIGC had also considered Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti during its search for a new coach.
Italy have been looking for a new manager since Gennaro Gattuso stepped down in April after the Azzurri failed to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup.
Italian football is currently going through one of its toughest periods in recent years. The appointment of a new manager is seen as the first step in rebuilding the national team and improving the country’s youth development system.
