Andrea Pirlo Set to Become Italy’s Next Coach

By Hotepo Setonyon

Andrea Pirlo is set to become the next head coach of the Italian senior men’s football team. The former midfielder, who played for Juventus, Inter Milan, and AC Milan, has signed a four-year contract with the Italian Federation until mid-2030 worth around €1.5 million plus bonuses, according to reports.

Pirlo was not the first choice for the national team, as the Italian Federation technical director, Paolo Maldini, held talks in recent weeks with Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola, with both turning down the offer.

After Pep Guardiola turned down the job, the Italian Federation moved quickly for Pirlo. Pirlo made his professional debut at Brescia before moving to Inter Milan for €2 million. In 2001, he made a move to AC Milan, where he played for the next 10 years.

Towards the end of his career, he joined Juventus, where he later worked as a manager after his retirement. Following his departure from Juventus, Pirlo also took charge of Turkish side Karagümrük and Sampdoria. Before the Italian Football Federation approved him, he was the current manager of United FC in the UAE.

Pirlo had 116 caps for Italy, scoring 13 goals. He was part of Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning squad.

This appointment is seen as critical for reviving Italian football heritage, given that the team has failed to qualify for 3 straight World Cups — in 2018, 2022, and the just-concluded 2026 World Cup.

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