Former World Cup winner, Andrea Pirlo is on the verge of being appointed as the new head coach of the Italian national football team, following reports that the Italian Football Federation approached him after two of the world’s most decorated managers turned down the role.

Technical director, Paolo Maldini and special advisor Leonardo had first reached out to former AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti before turning to Pep Guardiola, but both managers declined the opportunity to lead the four time world champions.

With those high profile targets off the table, attention quickly shifted to Pirlo, who is now reported to be the clear favourite for the job. The 47 year old is expected to sign a deal that will run until the conclusion of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, with reports indicating he will earn significantly less than what would have been required to appoint managers of Guardiola or Ancelotti’s stature.

Unlike the prolonged pursuit of the two elite names, Pirlo is said to be ready to take charge of the Azzurri almost immediately.

The move would require him to terminate his current contract with UAE Pro League side United FC, a role he only took up in July 2025, though this is not expected to present any real obstacle to the appointment.

His deal with the Emirati club reportedly includes a clause allowing him to exit early should a significant opportunity arise in Europe, a provision that clears the path for his move to the Italian national team.

Pirlo, a member of Italy’s World Cup winning squad in 2006, previously represented some of the country’s biggest clubs during his playing career, including Brescia, Inter Milan, Reggina, AC Milan and Juventus. His managerial career, however, has been mixed since he transitioned into coaching, having led Juventus to a Coppa Italia triumph in his only season at the club before further spells in charge of Fatih Karagumruk in Turkey and Sampdoria in Italy’s Serie B.

He would replace Gennaro Gattuso, who departed the role following Italy’s failed playoff campaign for the 2026 World Cup, as the federation looks to restore the Azzurri to the top of world football.

Photo Credit: Getty Images