Udine, Italy – May 2: Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo watches before the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Juventus at Dacia Arena on May 2, 2021 in Udine, Italy. Sports stadiums across Italy remain under strict restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic, with government social distancing laws banning fans from entering venues, resulting in matches being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alessandro Sabatini/Getty Images)
Andrea Pirlo is widely expected to become Italy’s new manager, with Carlo Ancelotti and Josep Guardiola on the verge of signing for the 2030 World Cup.
The Azzurri may be on the brink of signing a CT for the first time since coach Gennaro Gattuso resigned following their exit from the 2026 World Cup play-offs.
Technical director Paolo Maldini and special adviser Leonardo confirmed in a press conference yesterday that they first spoke to AC Milan’s old manager Ancelotti and then to Guardiola.
All eyes were on Pirlo today following news that Guardiola turned down the role to be closer to his family after 10 years at Manchester City.
Pirlo ready for Italy national team
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Sky Sport Italia and Calciomercato, the announcement could happen before the weekend starts.
He is currently under contract with United FC in the UAE Pro League, a role he only started in July 2025, but the termination of that contract shouldn’t be too big of an issue.
His contract with Italy runs until the end of the 2030 World Cup and is worth an annual salary of around 1.5 million euros.
This is significantly less than the amount required for Ancelotti, Guardiola, Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte.
The 47-year-old, like his predecessor Gattuso, is a veteran of the team that won the 2006 World Cup.
His coaching career has been somewhat turbulent, winning the Coppa Italia in one season with Juventus, followed by a year with Turkje at Karagmurk and then a slump in Serie B with Sampdoria.
The most important reasons for calling up Pirlo are his strong ties with former Milan team-mates Maldini and Leonardo, and the fact that he considers Ancelotti a mentor.
They believe he will be most receptive to their ideas of revamping the youth academy and establishing a clear identity for the Nazionale based on technology.
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