Andrea Pirlo is poised to become Italy's next head coach after agreeing a four-year contract worth €1.5 million per season. The former World Cup-winning midfielder will be officially announced early next week, marking a significant managerial shift for the Azzurri following the federation's pursuit of higher-profile targets.
The Italian Football Federation initially approached Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola for the role, but both declined the opportunity. Pirlo's appointment accelerated thanks to his established relationships within the federation's new technical hierarchy, including former AC Milan colleagues Paolo Maldini (technical director) and Leonardo (special advisor). His salary demands of €1.5 million annually also proved far more economical than Guardiola's reported €20 million per season.
Contract Termination and Official Announcement Timeline
Before the federation can formally unveil Pirlo, he must mutually terminate his contract with Dubai United FC, where he has managed since the summer. The Italian Football Federation plans to hold an internal meeting on Tuesday, which could serve as the platform for his public presentation to media and supporters. Official confirmation is expected on Monday or Tuesday, according to multiple Italian sports outlets including La Gazzetta dello Sport and Sky Sport Italia.
The federation faces time pressure with the UEFA Nations League campaign beginning in eight weeks. Pirlo inherits a squad requiring tactical restructuring ahead of Euro 2028 qualification and the 2030 World Cup. The legendary former midfielder, who won the 2006 World Cup with Italy and spent his playing career at top European clubs, now takes charge of rebuilding the national team's identity at a critical juncture in its development cycle.
