One of football’s most iconic midfielders is now poised to step into one of the sport’s most demanding managerial roles. Andrea Pirlo is set to become the new head coach of the Italian national football team, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. Andrea Pirlo will take the role with a four-year contract worth around €1.5 million plus bonuses, with the announcement confirmed by Fabrizio Romano.
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Who is Andrea Pirlo?
Considered one of the greatest midfielders of all time, Pirlo was known for his vision, technique, creativity, passing, and free-kick ability. Born on 19 May 1979 in Flero, Italy, he rose through the ranks at Brescia before making a name for himself at the very highest levels of European football.
He made his professional debut at Brescia, who later sold him to Inter for two million euros. In 2001, he made the move to AC Milan, where he played for ten years. Towards the end of his career, he also joined Juventus on a free transfer, where he later worked as a manager after retiring.
For Italy, Pirlo won 116 caps and scored thirteen goals. His crowning glory as a player came when he was a key part of the squad that lifted the FIFA World Cup in 2006 in Germany.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Manager | Andrea Pirlo |
| Role | Italy Head Coach |
| Age | 47 |
| Nationality | Italian |
| Contract Duration | Until 2030 |
| Annual Salary | €1.5m + Bonuses |
| Previous Club (Manager) | Dubai United |
| Predecessor | Gennaro Gattuso |
Playing Career at a Glance
| Club | Years | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Brescia | 1995–2001 | Midfielder |
| Inter Milan | 1998–2001 | Midfielder |
| AC Milan | 2001–2011 | Deep-Lying Playmaker |
| Juventus | 2011–2015 | Deep-Lying Playmaker |
| New York City FC | 2015–2017 | Midfielder |
| Italy (International) | 2002–2015 | 116 Caps / 13 Goals |
Why Pirlo? The Story Behind the Appointment
The Azzurri turned to Pirlo after Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti turned down the chance to take charge of the four-time world champions. Technical director Paolo Maldini and special advisor Leonardo confirmed they first approached Ancelotti before sounding out Guardiola. However, both elite managers declined the opportunity.
The former Manchester City boss Guardiola wanted a salary of around €20 million per year, well beyond the FIGC’s budget. Carlo Ancelotti was also on the federation’s radar, but he remains tied to Brazil through 2030, ruling him out despite reported contact between the two parties.
With those options off the table, attention quickly shifted to Pirlo. The 47-year-old had only joined UAE Pro League side United FC in July 2025, but reports suggest an agreement to terminate his contract will not be an issue.
Pirlo knows both Maldini and Leonardo well from their time together at the successful Milan side, where the midfielder played from 2001 to 2011. That personal relationship and mutual trust played a significant role in the decision.
The Coaching Career So Far
He managed Juventus during the 2020–2021 season, where results were mixed enough that the club moved on. He then coached Karagümrük in Turkey from 2022 to 2023, followed by a stint at Sampdoria from 2023 to 2024. Pirlo is currently managing Dubai United, a post he’s held since July 2025.
| Club | Season | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Juventus U23 | 2020 | Interim stepping stone |
| Juventus | 2020–21 | Won Coppa Italia & Supercoppa |
| Fatih Karagümrük | 2022–23 | Turkish Super Lig |
| Sampdoria | 2023–24 | Serie B stint |
| Dubai United | 2025–26 | UAE Pro League |
| Italy | 2026–2030 | Incoming |
Pirlo’s Vision & Tactical Identity
Pirlo’s coaching philosophy centres on possession-based tactics and nurturing young talent, which aligns with the FIGC’s stated strategic vision. Despite an inconsistent managerial record, Maldini and Leonardo view Pirlo as the ideal long-term appointment.
The Italian Football Federation has zeroed in on Andrea Pirlo as its next head coach, with a potential four-year contract that would carry the Azzurri through the 2030 World Cup cycle. The FIGC is clearly betting on Pirlo’s footballing intelligence and his deep understanding of the Italian game translating from the pitch to the dugout.
Other Candidates Considered
| Manager | Status | Reason for Rejection |
|---|---|---|
| Pep Guardiola | Declined | Demanded €20m/year salary |
| Carlo Ancelotti | Declined | Contracted with Brazil until 2030 |
| Antonio Conte | Linked | Faded from consideration |
| Roberto Mancini | Linked | Faded from consideration |
| Andrea Pirlo | Appointed | Preferred long-term candidate |
Pirlo’s Contract Details
The 47-year-old is expected to sign a contract running until 2030, with an annual salary of €1.5 million. According to SportMediaset, Pirlo’s deal with Dubai United includes a clause allowing him to exit immediately if a compelling opportunity arises in Europe, a provision that would clear the way for him to take the Italy job without complications.
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FAQs
Who is Andrea Pirlo replacing as Italy head coach?
Pirlo is set to succeed Gennaro Gattuso as the head coach of the Italian national team.
How long is Pirlo’s contract with Italy?
Pirlo is poised to sign a deal that runs until the end of the 2030 World Cup.
Why did Italy turn to Pirlo?
His candidacy emerged after the federation explored bigger names like Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti, both of whom apparently proved too expensive or unavailable.
What is Pirlo’s managerial experience?
His management experience includes Juventus in 2020–21, where he won the Coppa Italia, then in the Turkish Super Lig with Karagümrük, and a brief spell at Sampdoria.
Who appointed Pirlo at Italy?
Technical director Paolo Maldini and special advisor Leonardo confirmed they led the process, first approaching Ancelotti before sounding out Guardiola, and ultimately landing on Pirlo.
