Andrea Pirlo Named New Italian National Team Coach After Pep Guardiola's Refusal The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has officially announced Andrea Pirlo as the next head coach of the Azzurri, the national team. The decision followed a months-long process that saw Pep Guardiola, initially considered the top candidate, decline the offer. Pirlo, a former midfield maestro for AC Milan and Juventus, will take over from Gennaro Gattuso, whose tenure ended after a series of unsuccessful World Cup qualification campaigns. Pirlo’s appointment came after a strategic selection process led by the federation’s technical director, Paolo Maldini, and vice-president Leonardo. Despite Guardiola’s initial interest, the former Manchester City manager opted to step back, citing a desire for personal time and family proximity. “Merci, je suis honoré, mais en ce moment je ne m’en sens pas capable,” Pirlo reportedly told Maldini, referencing his refusal to take the role. This decision cleared the path for Pirlo, who had previously turned down offers from Carlo Ancelotti and Gianluigi Buffon, the latter declining a team manager position. Pirlo’s transition to coaching marks a significant shift. He will resign from his role at United FC Dubai, the club he guided to promotion in the UAE Pro League last season. His new contract with the FIGC is set to run until the 2030 World Cup, with a reported salary of approximately 1.5 million euros per season. Key figures from his previous coaching staff, including assistant Roberto Baronio and physical trainer Paolo Bertelli, are expected to join him. The official announcement is anticipated during the federation’s council meeting on Tuesday. The challenge ahead is immense.#pep_guardiola #gennaro_gattuso #italian_football_federation #andrea_pirlo #paolo_maldini
