Andrea Pirlo is poised to take the helm as the new coach of the Italian national football squad, with an official announcement anticipated early next week. A four-year agreement, including an annual remuneration of €1.5 million, has reportedly been finalized. Pirlo's appointment follows a selection process where high-profile figures like Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola were initially considered but ultimately passed on the opportunity, paving the way for the former midfield maestro.
Pirlo's ascent to the national team coaching position comes after both Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola, who were also approached for the role, declined the offer. Ancelotti had recently committed to a new contract with the Brazilian national team, while Guardiola expressed a desire for a sabbatical to spend more time with his family after a decade-long tenure at Manchester City. These developments shifted the focus towards Pirlo, who, despite having previous coaching experiences with Juventus and Fatih Karagumruk, was seen as a viable and more attainable option for the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
The decision to appoint Pirlo was reportedly swift once contact was made by technical director Paolo Maldini and special advisor Leonardo. Their pre-existing relationships from their time at Milan played a crucial role in securing Pirlo's immediate acceptance of the offer. The proposed contract extends until the conclusion of the 2030 World Cup, indicating a long-term vision for the national team under his leadership. His comparatively modest salary of €1.5 million per year also made him an attractive candidate, especially in contrast to the €20 million annual package reportedly sought by Guardiola.
Before the official announcement, Pirlo must mutually terminate his current contract with United Arab Emirates club United FC, a position he assumed last summer. The timing of the announcement is tied to the FIGC's scheduled meeting on Tuesday. Although the FIGC's direct involvement in coaching decisions has diminished since the creation of the technical director role for Maldini, this meeting is expected to coincide with the formal presentation of Pirlo as the new national team coach, signaling a new chapter for Italian football.
The impending appointment of Andrea Pirlo as Italy's new head coach marks a significant moment for the Azzurri, ushering in a new era under a figure deeply embedded in the nation's footballing history. With a four-year contract reportedly in place and the backing of key footballing executives, expectations are high for Pirlo to guide the team towards future successes on the international stage.
