Andrea Pirlo has confirmed that he is no longer in contention to lead the Italian national side, a role he was widely expected to be appointed to this week. The 47-year-old, who currently manages the United Arab Emirates club Dubai United, expressed his frustration regarding the intense public scrutiny that derailed his potential hiring.
In a statement posted to Instagram, Pirlo noted that he learned of the decision on July 26, 2026. He expressed deep bitterness over the debate that emerged following his candidacy, stating, "I regret that a decision based on sporting criteria rapidly became a public controversy, in which intentions and ideas which do not reflect my personality were attributed to me." He also took the opportunity to thank Italy’s technical director, Paolo Maldini, and advisor Leonardo for their confidence in his abilities.
Pirlo’s coaching career has been marked by limited success, with only a single Italian Cup title to his name since entering management in 2020. His previous tenures included managing Juventus—where he had a legendary playing career—as well as Sampdoria and the Turkish side Karagumruk. His candidacy had faced resistance from the start from newly-installed federation chief Giovanni Malago, while concerns were also raised regarding his association with a Russian betting firm.
With Pirlo out of the picture, Antonio Conte has re-emerged as a primary candidate to lead the Euro 2020 champions. Conte, who turns 57 on July 31, 2026, previously managed Italy between 2014 and 2016, leading the team to the Euro 2016 quarter-finals. However, the selection process remains volatile. Reports indicate that Paolo Maldini is threatening to resign from his position after only three weeks if either Conte or former national coach Roberto Mancini is selected for the job. Maldini’s preferred successor is currently Thiago Motta, the Brazil-born former Italy international who has coached Bologna and Juventus.
The 47-year-old had, to many Italian fans' surprise, become the favourite to be tasked with reviving the national side's fortunes after they failed for the third successive time to qualify for the World Cup.
Whilst Pirlo had a stellar playing career, including being a key member of the 2006 World Cup-winning side, his coaching CV is short on success.
