Pirlo to take Italy job after Guardiola turns down approach

Andrea Pirlo is set to become Italy’s new head coach after the Italian Football Federation reached a four‑year agreement with the former midfield maestro, according to La Repubblica. The 47‑year‑old, currently managing United FC in Dubai, returns to the national setup two decades after winning the 2006 World Cup and following a brief spell in charge of Juventus, where he lifted the Coppa Italia and Super Cup in 2021.

The deal comes just hours after Pep Guardiola rejected an approach from the FIGC, despite initial talks and suggestions that financial flexibility could be offered for a candidate of his stature. The federation also explored the possibility of hiring Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Italy have been without a manager since Gennaro Gattuso resigned in April after the Azzurri failed to qualify for a third straight World Cup. Pirlo’s appointment is viewed as a crucial first step in rebuilding a deteriorated youth‑development system amid one of Italian football’s deepest crises.