Andrea Pirlo has emerged as the leading candidate to take over as the head coach of the Italian national team. According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, the 47-year-old is being strongly considered by Paolo Maldini and his consultant, Leonardo, as they look to fill the bench ahead of the upcoming Nations League campaign in September.
The appointment process is now gaining momentum following the decision to establish a technical director position, a role that was previously absent from the Azzurri setup. Maldini and Leonardo, who both played alongside Pirlo during their successful tenures at AC Milan, are tasked with selecting the next manager. It is understood that Maldini previously sought to hire Pirlo for a coaching role at Milan in 2023.
Pirlo, a member of Italy's 2006 World Cup-winning squad, currently serves as the head coach for the Dubai-based United FC in the UAE first division. His coaching career has included stints at Juventus during the 2020-21 season, where he secured the Coppa Italia, as well as a period in the Turkish Super Lig with Karagumruk and a brief tenure at Sampdoria that concluded in August 2024.
While other high-profile names such as Antonio Conte, Roberto Mancini, and even Pep Guardiola were previously linked to the position, Pirlo has now become a primary focus. Beyond his professional history with the decision-makers, Pirlo is also viewed as a financially viable option, as his wage demands are reported to be well within the budget of the FIGC compared to other candidates on the list.
The Nazionale can begin taking shape now that the decision has finally been made to appoint a technical director, a role that until now did not exist within the Azzurri set-up.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 8: Former New York City FC player Andrea Pirlo waves to fans prior to the MLS match against Orlando City at Yankee Stadium on March 8, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Vincent Carchietta/Getty Images)
